On the issues: Candidates for county commissioner

Political Affiliation: Republican
County of residence and length of time living there: 
Alamosa County.  I was born and raised in Alamosa County.  I have been a resident for 45 years.  I lived on the county line for a short time, technically a few feet out, but I worked daily in Alamosa.
Current occupation: Alamosa County Commissioner for District 1
Current family status: Married to my husband, Aaron, for 31 years.
Any additional biographical information you’d like to provide:
I graduated from Alamosa High School and have a Bachelor’s & Master’s degree from Adams State University.  I retired from Adams State University after 29 years. I have three children, raised my nephew, and have two grandchildren.  My husband and I have a small outdoor recreational business; we also raise horses, cows, and alfalfa.

Political Party affiliation:  Democrat

County of residence and length of time living there:
I have lived in Alamosa County since September 1975 with a few hiatus for work. I have lived in my current home for over 29 years.

Current occupation: Private Investigator principally working with indigent clients.  I have a contract with the State of Colorado for this work.

Current family status: I am married, 31 years. 

Any additional biographical information you’d like to provide: Rick Needham has proudly called the San Luis Valley home for nearly five decades. Married with four children and four grandchildren, he is deeply rooted in the community he serves. With over 30 years in law enforcement, including roles as a police chief and detective, Rick has dedicated his life to public safety and community well-being. An avid outdoorsman, BBQ master, and gardener, Rick brings the same care and dedication to his personal life as he does to his work. With an MBA in Public Administration from Adams State, he’s ready to bring integrity, transparency, public safety and fiscal responsibility to Alamosa County government.

Political Affiliation: Republican

County of residence and length of time living there: Alamosa; 49 years

Current occupation: Commissioner

Current family status: Married with 2 children

Political Affiliation: Democrat

County of residence: Conejos County

Current occupation: Owner, Baroz Auto Service Paint & Body

Current family status: Married

Any additional biographical information you’d like to provide:
I am a registered Democrat and a proud member of this community. I was born and raised in Conejos County and have also raised my family here in this great county. I am a small business owner and have helped run and operate the family business for 32 years. With great appreciation, I have been married for 31 years and have two sons, a future daughter-in-law, a beautiful granddaughter and another grandchild on the way! I consider these to be my greatest accomplishments.

Name: Justin Rogers
Political Affiliation: Republican
County of residence and length of time living there: Life-long resident of Conejos County
Current occupation: Farmer/rancher
Current family status: Married to my beautiful wife Blayne Rogers. We have boys J.W. Rogers age 5, Walyon Rogers age 3, and Shephard Rogers age 1.
Any additional biographical information you’d like to provide:
I’m currently serving  as the fire chief for Carmel Fire department and many water boards here in Conejos county. We farm in the La Jara/Carmel district. We also have sheep that we graze throughout the Valley and in the mountains.

Political Affiliation: Republican
County of residence and length of time living there: Costilla County; 2018-present
Current occupation: Self Employed
Current family status: married
Any additional biographical information you’d like to provide:
Married 25 years, 3 children, 7 grandchildren

Political Affiliation: Republican
County of residence and length of time living there: Mineral; 51 years
Current occupation: County Commissioner and business owner
Current family status: Married to Jay Weber
Any additional biographical information you’d like to provide:
Raised in Mineral County, I  have taught history and government, I have owned several businesses in the area and have raised my children here.

Political affiliation: Unaffiliated
County of residence and length of time living there: I have lived in Rio Grande County for 33 years.
Current occupation: Retired
Current family status: Married for 30 years with 2 daughters.

Political Affiliation: Democrat

County of residence and length of time living there: Saguache; 44 yearsCurrent occupation: Farmer/Commissioner
Current family status: Widowed
Any additional biographical information you’d like to provide:
Lifelong organic farmer, entrepreneur. Operated tree planting, farming, food distribution and herbal product manufacturing and distribution companies. Enjoy outdoor recreation including hunting, fishing, skiing, diving, boating, hiking, etc. Concerned about the environment and climate change.

Political Affiliation: Democrat
County of residence and length of time living there: Saguache
Current occupation: Saguache County Commissioner
Current family status: Single

As a current commissioner, I am running for another term because I love helping the people in my community, and I have a lot more to give.  My experience over the last four years makes me a stronger candidate.  Experience is vital and cannot be substituted.  I have accomplished my 2020 campaign goals but I still believe there is more to be done.   I/we have worked on keeping our community safe by supporting law enforcement with an increase in the Sheriff’s Department budget (2020 to 2024).  I/we have also helped, along with other community partners, to obtain a new office building for the District Attorney.   I/we have supported the Road and Bridge Department by budgeting for new equipment to maintain roads, replace culverts, and repair railroad crossings.   I/we have been fiscally responsible for the budget and looked for more strategic ways to save and plan for future projects.

My friends and family often ask why I decided to run for county commissioner. The simple answer is that I am called to serve my community, and I have been doing so since 1981. My career began as a police dispatcher, and since then, I’ve served as an EMT, a sheriff’s deputy, a detective with Alamosa PD, and eventually as a chief of police. Public service is my calling.

I also earned an MBA in Public Administration from Adams State University, which equipped me with the skills necessary to manage public agencies effectively. With both the experience and training to serve, I am confident I can move Alamosa County forward at this critical inflection point. As the economic hub of the San Luis Valley, our county has the potential to extend its influence across southern Colorado and into northern New Mexico. The county’s current leadership is composed entirely of Republicans. While I respect their contributions, I believe a more balanced perspective would better serve our citizens. The county needs leadership that is grounded in fiscal responsibility, environmental stewardship, and a focus on community well-being rather than divisive, symbolic resolutions, such as the recent “non-sanctuary” county debate. I will bring this balanced, service-driven approach to the Board of County Commissioners.

The community has paid for educating me over the last 4 years, I’d like to put that experience to use for 4 more.

After much prayer and contemplation, and with many conversations with the citizens of this great county, I commit to seek election to a second term as Conejos County commissioner. The first term served as a tremendous learning experience, and realizing the great trust the people of Conejos County have placed in me for which I stand grateful, I realize positive direction we have moved in terms of county progress and development. The TEAM we have assembled has my full confidence going forth and with that in mind, I would be honored to continue working with and for the citizens of Conejos County to maintain the established path of success. With gained experience and insight, I sincerely wish to complete the work we have begun and set new standards for service and development.

As a farmer/rancher here in Conejos county I am seeking the commissioner District 3 office to help our community protect our water and the ranching lifestyle, as well as supporting all of the business in Conejos county.

During my employment with the county, I experienced and witnessed the dysfunction and questionable decisions and goings-on within the county departments. Our community members are greatly affected by the dysfunction, and something had to change. The opportunity arose for me to run for commissioner, and I took it. If you want things to change, then you have to be the change!

I am running because I am a citizen just like you. There are a lot of deficiencies and areas we can definitely improve on that we can fix together. I am fed up with a lot of issues that have simple fixes, and the obvious solutions aren’t being done. I have spent my adult life serving this country and community. I enlisted in the US Army after high school where I suffered an injury resulting in a breathing disability. I later attended business college. I went on to serve on various boards including county commissioner. I am a farmer and cherish our acequias, land, water, culture and traditions. 

The most vital element to all of this is honoring and preserving our water rights as we have the most senior water rights in the state. I have been a vocal activist for what is just and right. I have stood for what is right even when I was standing alone. Our party’s foundation is: Freedom- Opportunity- Prosperity. This is exactly how we improve the quality of life for all in our community while building community.

I feel there is so much more to be done. I feel like addressing and pushing for rural mental health help is at the top of my focus. Also housing for our workforce is a necessity

My high school-aged daughter attended a county commissioners meeting this summer. She came home after that meeting and was sharing all that she learned there. She was the catalyst for my desire to serve. I want to be an example to her and others that our skills can serve a greater good and that public service is an honorable calling. I decided to run for this office after the primary election had happened, so I am running as a write-in candidate. In order to cast a vote for me, a voter must fill in the oval and write-in Kenny Sears on the line provided for the District 1 candidate.

Water issues were my main motivation to become commissioner 4 years ago. I feel I have made a significant difference in this realm and am now working on issues such as affordable housing, recreational opportunities, road construction and maintenance, wildlife protection and sustainable economic development. Projects take time and many remain unfinished. I hope to continue my work.

I am an incumbent seeking reelection for a second term.  We are term-limited in Saguache, so this next term will be my last.  When I ran four years ago I wanted to see if it was possible to help employees get higher wages and more benefits.  With the help of my fellow commissioners, we were able to do both.  Since being appointed to serve on the Colorado Commission on Aging I was able to provide free training modules for SLV Personal Care Providers. Since being appointed to the South Central Senior Area on Aging Agency, I was able to obtain more funding for the Saguache Seniors and provide the Town of Crestone with Senior Meals. The Colorado Commissioner on Aging has given me the opportunity to be a voice for seniors in the San Luis Valley. I am also on a committee to open an existing closed day care facility in Saguache. The Saguache County Board of County Commissioners have had a lot of collaborative successes, individually and collectively, and I have so much more I want to accomplish in the next four years.

What matters most to me is being a combined voice for the people.  I/we have made a concerted effort to open up as many topics as possible for public feedback.  I believe that community safety and prosperity go hand-in-hand.

What matters most to me is serving the people of Alamosa County. County government exists to improve the lives of its citizens, and as commissioner, it would be my duty to ensure that every resident receives the best possible services. From basic infrastructure like road maintenance to more complex issues like economic development, I believe we can do better. For instance, the recent repair of the 17th Street railroad crossing is a great example of how we should be more proactive. Employee retention is also a priority for me. We must offer competitive compensation to retain skilled workers, ensuring the county benefits from their expertise long-term. By working collaboratively with other elected officials and department heads, I will ensure our services are not just adequate, but exemplary.

– Putting the public’s interests and values 1st

– Honesty and consistency

– Keeping government in its lane

The well-being of Conejos County citizens is paramount and paving the road for the youth of our county in a manner whereby that they can make a good living, experience success and happiness, raise their own families locally and never feel they must leave elsewhere to lead to succeed is constantly in my vision and priorities.

The thing that matters most to me here in Conejos county is farming/ranching and the great businesses that we have here and how we can keep it going so that we can give the younger generation the opportunity to thrive and keep families growing and staying local.

What has always mattered to me is the community and its members. I love our community, it’s a beautiful place to live and we have many talented people who live here. It matters to me that all community members in Costilla County have their voices heard.

First and foremost, people. I care deeply about this place. It has been home to me and my family for 50-plus years and I want to help and provide a great place for the people who call it home.

As a father and a retiree, I want to continue to contribute to my community. I have the time and energy to dedicate to improving my community. I want to see our county continue to be able to provide the opportunities to families that it provided to my family and me as my wife and I raised our family.

I work to preserve and enhance our cherished way of life in Saguache County, while providing more opportunities to our residents.

My top priority is our employees.  Saguache County runs so well because of the dedicated and hard-working employees we have.  My District 2 community is also very important to me.  I am so proud of the accomplishments the Town of Center has made. I am on the Urban Renewal Board and work with people that are moving forward to get more businesses and housing going in Center. It’s a very exciting time for Center. Emergency Services such as ambulances and fire departments for the entire county are so vital for our residents. As liaison for public health and just recently  being  appointed to the State Emergency Medical and Trauma Services Advisory Council I am looking forward to helping those agencies.

What voters should know about me is that I am deeply committed to this community.  I take my role as commissioner very seriously.  This is not just a job, but a full-time, fully committed choice for me.  I have taken on leadership positions, including being appointed by the Governor to two Colorado State commissions, and serving as the two-term chair of the Southern District for Colorado Counties Inc., as well as the current chair of the Alamosa County Board of Commissioners.

The most important thing for voters to know is that I deeply care about this community, and I will bring diligence and integrity to this office. Throughout my career in law enforcement, I’ve always focused on preparedness without succumbing to hysteria. Recently, we’ve seen an increase in violent crime, likely linked to the rise in drug availability. This is an area where I have significant experience, having served as the commander of the 12th Judicial District’s Drug Task Force for nearly a decade. If elected, I will work closely with law enforcement and mental health programs to address drug-related issues and enhance public safety.

I value selflessness.  It’s a struggle every day to think of others before yourself.  I try to do that and love to see it in our community.

I have served my community for the past 32 years. My dear wife and I have taught religious education, helped with a youth organization in the community, and have been a member of the Knights of Columbus, focusing on serving our local parish, the community and charity. I served on the North Conejos School Board for nine and a half years, with four years as president. My family and I have provided the service of music for the past 45 years for church services, funerals, weddings, and community gathering for the annual Christmas Coalition of Churches.

If there’s one thing the voters should know about me is that I’m a very hard worker and will do whatever it takes to get the job done!!

I am a community member regardless of what status I hold in the county. I am not a career politician. I want what is best for our county. I want to thrive, and I want our community to thrive.

That I fight hard for our community in state and national arenas.

I have 28 years of experience in ag lending and have a strong background in finance, water, agriculture, appraisal, insurance, construction, farming, ranching, and welding. I have served my community as a volunteer and a board member and I have found those experiences very rewarding. I have enjoyed my time since retiring, but now I am eager to get involved in my community at a level that wasn’t possible for me when I was working full-time. All the knowledge and experience I gained in my years of employment have made me feel uniquely prepared for service to the county.

I am an honest and transparent person that truly cares about Saguache County, the Valley and our Mother Earth.

I work part time in the Rio Grande Hospital Emergency Room as a ward clerk. I check in patients and arrange all flights and ground transportation for patients that require being transported from Rio Grande Hospital Emergency Room.

The top three issues our constituents have presented to me are public safety, roads and budget; I am dedicated to continuing to work on public safety, road maintenance, and providing county services within a reduced revenue budget. I believe that by working on training programs for detention offices and competitive pay I/we can support the Sheriff’s mission of keeping the community safe. I plan to help support road maintenance by working to find creative ideas to purchase equipment, improve longevity of equipment, and work on initiatives at the state level to increase funding for roads. The cost of equipment and paving materials has skyrocketed, and there needs to be additional revenue to complement the Highway User Tax. Finally, for budget, I/we are diligent in making sure we have the correct reserves, prioritize our services, our employees and supporting all the county’s required functions. 
 
There are so many needs in our county. Not one department in the county works in a vacuum. I will strive to support the leadership in our county departments by providing the support needed to get the work done. For example,
The Land Use office is in the process of a comprehensive plan
There are increasing responsibilities at the airport
Multiple elections per year for the Clerk’s office
Need for appropriate Coroner’s facilities 
Changes in property tax assessment 
Changes in our Public Trustees’ processes
Public Health demands 
Continued community development needs
Demands on Veteran’s services 
Emergency Management planning
Changing legal requirement and new statutes
Mandated web page update
Increased demand of people needing assistance through the Department of Human Services
Maintaining our facilities to reduce repair cost

1. Public Safety: As a former police chief and drug task force commander, I will focus on supporting law enforcement and mental health programs to tackle drug abuse and reduce violent crime.

2. Service Improvement: I will prioritize making county services more efficient and accessible for all residents and visitors. We must fill positions with well-compensated professionals who can deliver the quality of services our community deserves.

3. Integrity and Transparency: I will bring fiscal responsibility and transparency to county government. Decisions like the costly remodel of the old Alamosa State Bank building should be carefully evaluated to ensure we are spending taxpayer dollars wisely.

– Fiscally responsible – I am not an accountant, but I know we can’t spend more than we take in.  We’ve got bright and capable people in the finance dept. that keep us in a good position.

– Roads – I’ll continue to emphasize the importance of and allocate resources to our roadways.

– Government growth – The increasing size and scope of our government worries me. I try to keep this in mind when making decisions and attempt to keep gov in its lane, at least locally

The top three issues I prioritize would be: first, the safety, health and welfare of our kids and seeing fit to provide for their future success. Certainly, it has always been in my heart to someday construct a community center in Conejos County for kids. I truly believe this would open doors with respect to our kids and in relation to daily success. Secondly, for those trapped with addictions, we will continue to pray and search for additional resources to help empower them to the path of recovery and assist them to finding a new outlook on life. Third, our water is a precious gift and deserves every ounce of protection we can possibly provide as agriculture is the very lifeblood of our community. Without failure, I will continue to work with my fellow commissioners in the San Luis Valley and our Senators, and other elected officials, to protect and prevent the exportation of our water and preserve our county rights to access it.

The first issue that we face is our roads. I would like to see if we can get more money through grants for our road and bridge department to work with. They are doing a great job with what they have but I believe with a better budget they would be able to do more to improve them. Second thing is water, we need to really have our eyes and ears open to many of the issues that we are facing. Third thing is more community programs and support for them. We as a community need to have more events and activities for the county to keep a strong and thriving community.

1) Transparency – I would make sure that all business conducted by the county commissioners is in the open, especially when it comes to decisions. Communication will be key with the community. All of the commissioners’ meetings will be recorded and be available for the public to view on the website. Requests by community members at these meetings will be addressed in a timely manner.

2) Public Safety – I will work with the Sheriff to make sure all staff is up-to-date on training. I will make sure that there is a deputy trained to complete full investigations (fingerprints, CBI, etc.) I will make sure that the taxes from Proposition 1A that are being collected from the community for a new jail are being used for a new jail. 

3 )Economic/Community Development – Our county is considered a small county; we only receive a minimal amount of money from the state. We need to find more ways to bring money into the county. I would plan events that would bring tourists to our county, and they would spend money. I would like to put a plan together to revamp all main street/highways in Costilla County, this would include helping local businesses. I would like to create programs for our children that would teach them life skills, each program would be specific to age groups. I would find money and have a community volunteer day to revamp the Blanca/Fort Garland Community Center and along with that, create new business hours that will allow the community more access.  I would make sure our parks were safe for our children.  I would seek out grants that would help fund these changes. I would create a county fair that would bring our agricultural/farming families together, it would reestablish the 4-H program.

1. The Economy – How do we fix this at a local level? It starts with making sure we are responsible stewards of tax dollars. We can’t constantly ask for tax increases when those in public office can’t use the money they already have appropriately and wisely. Fiscal discipline is an area we can’t be lacking in. As the poorest county, we simply can not afford it. I support zero-based budgeting. Meaning, every department must justify its budget! Internal control audits, and then more audits! Audit every county department’s financial condition and budgeted expenditures, without exception. This will help rebuild trust with the sacred institution of government and the public. Secondly, we must expand opportunities for all, not just a few, or the same few families who have the upper-hand generation-after- generation. Third, we need to help expand small businesses and entrepreneurs that can create jobs for folks in our community. We do that by working with business development folks, and providing seed funding to help people start a business. This will help provide folks an opportunity to buy a home, raise a family and live comfortably in a safe and prosperous community with our rural values and rural culture in the forefront.

2. Infrastructure – The main infrastructure needing a complete overhaul, is our water and sanitation system. The system is over 70 years old and has a lot of issues. Water is a basic human right. We deserve clean and safe drinking water. I will marshal our county employees to go after the grants, and funding opportunities that are available. This will help get us a new system. I have been blessed to travel internationally. This has given me perspective on what we can improve on at home, and simultaneously remind us of the blessings we have in this county. Sadly, I have seen our infrastructure here at home has been neglected. The state of our drinking water is even more alarming, after state studies show various chemicals, heavy metals and contaminants that are causing severe illness and miscarriages. I see our infrastructure isn’t much better than some of the third-world countries I have been to. We are the United States of America, and we can, and do deserve better. All human dignity must be honored, and this simple solution ensures this. 

We need better roads and better facilities for our public spaces. HUTF mandates for safety must be followed. TLC, allocation of funds to these areas through capital improvement funds will be key in improving these deficiencies that area public safety issues. You have to have striped roads to see where you are driving. Especially the elderly who have a harder time driving because of the roads not being striped. The last time the roads were striped was when I was commissioner in 2018.

In 2021 Voters approved 1A to build a new jail. We need to ensure that the new jail is built, and built according to standards by the American Jail Association, American Corrections Association and Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. We also need community input; we can’t just be there to collect the tax dollars. If tax dollars are going to be spent it has to be done right.

3. Public Safety – We need law enforcement professionals making law enforcement decisions not political folks making law enforcement decisions. There has been a drastic influx of serious crimes in the community. We need to ensure our law enforcement have the policies, tools and training they need to ensure they can do their job with the utmost integrity while building the public trust. This will also diminish the number of lawsuits the county has had to pay out due to lack of professionalism, and not protecting civil rights and the constitution. We also need to help folks with substance abuse. Expand on connecting them to mental and behavioral health resources to overcome the challenges and demons that face that can lead to crime like theft to feed addiction. We have lost too many talented people in our community due to fentanyl poisoning. This is an all hands-on-deck issue to work with law enforcement, faith community, mental and behavioral health, DA and other partners to bring viable solutions to this problem.

I support safe streets, peaceful communities, and optimal allocation of emergency resources as a principal function of local government. This means aggressive prosecution of all violent crime; zero tolerance for crimes against children and the elderly; higher mix (or ratio) of sworn personnel; active community policing programs; partnership with faith-based organizations to rehabilitate non-violent youth offenders; and strong financial/ budgetary oversight (including regular audits) to ensure efficient management of resources. I also support public safety decisions rooted in facts, data and evidentiary support. Indeed, I will leverage my skill-set and life-experiences to make the best decisions, and work with public safety with operational improvements, efficient allocation of resources, and greater return-on-investment.

1. Mental health – I will continue my efforts to provide care for our area. We need care that is consistent and constant. I am reaching out to both providers and policy makers to find solutions. 

2.  Housing – the county does not have the budget to provide housing, but we can facilitate. We have done the housing feasibility study and facilitated where we can. There are several projects in the planning stage, but it does not happen quickly.

3.  Preserve the mining heritage of the area. I want to encourage mining and work to insure the historic structures are stabilized and secure

The character and quality of life in Rio Grande is something that drew me here more than 30 years ago. I would like to see it proposer under a level of controlled growth that allows for the preservation of our current way of life. I believe that our county would benefit from cooperation with the city governments throughout the county as well as the state government. We have elected officials who serve at the state level from our communities and I think they desire to see our county succeed also. I believe that working alongside them to attain our common goals is in our best interest. Lastly, the preservation of the natural resources within the county is a top priority. The water that sustains our communities and agriculture is of utmost concern, and it must be protected.

Protecting our water and restoring the aquifer. I am working through the Council of Governments to stop water export projects. Our BOCC is supporting CSU extension in promoting low water use alternative crops. 

Affordable housing. The county currently has two major housing projects underway. Range View apartments, a city block in the town of Saguache which is fully funded, and a home ownership program in Casita Park near Crestone where we will build single family homes using as many local materials and labor as possible, and utilizing passive solar gain. 

Our county, with my support, is working on major trail development projects including the Safe Routes to School trail in the Baca Grande, Vista Grande Recreation area near Saguache and a trail that will connect the Kiosk trail hub near Crestone to Casita Park.

Senior Services: So much state funding has been cut for our SLV senior programs that it is imperative that we make our legislators aware of how much of a negative impact it has caused.  Seniors are in need of mental health care, housing, and transportation. One program the Colorado Commission on Aging is promoting is seniors in the workforce. There are a great many seniors that can still contribute to the workforce with their vast knowledge and experience and are still willing to work. I am going to work with AARP to see how to make the SLV one of the country’s age-friendly communities. The Commission on Aging offers so many programs that can help me help our SLV seniors.

Saguache County Infrastructure:  My fellow commissioners and I have set aside some funding for county buildings and offices that need to be updated or added on to.  We have outgrown so much of our office space. Once we get the final results from a feasibility study of our courthouse, we will have a better idea of how and where to use those funds. We have our own grant writer for additional funds we may need to upgrade our county infrastructure.

Recycling:  We currently have a recycling bin at our landfill. We have had many discussions on how to expand our capacity to recycle for the entire county with roll offs in different locations and other ideas.  We are currently working with SLV Ecosystem Council on their solid waste management project and hopefully will be able to explore some ways for us to recycle more efficiently and effectively.

Other issues that we are facing in our community are the opioid epidemic and substance use disorders. I fought for $5.7 million to go to SLV for opioid abatement. In regards to the opioid abatement settlement funds, Attorney General Phil Weiser stated in the Alamosa Citizen July 11, 2024, Podcast 181 @29.29 minutes that “You have an extraordinary county commissioner, Lori Laske who forged a leadership path.” Another prevalent issue is the need for increased reliable electric transmission. Alamosa County was able to secure a federal grant to identify an additional transmission corridor. Only 20 of these grants were awarded in the USA. The awarding of this grant was recognized by U.S. Sen. Bennet. The Valley Courier, September 3 edition, stated “Lori Laske has spearheaded the transmission line issue for several years.  Bennet thanked her for her [extraordinary leadership] on the issue.” This will also provide economic development through solar. 

We are working on a large project with the city of Alamosa in the next few years regarding levee recertified. Uncertified levees could have an impact on insurance for our community. There are continued concerns regarding the lack of affordable housing, increasing cost of goods, and behavioral health issues. We need to continue to encourage tourism, support small business and many other items. 

I am a public servant who values honesty, hard work, dedication, integrity, and most importantly, the well-being of this community.  My experience and commitment to this community are unwavering

I want to raise awareness about the importance of focusing on issues that directly affect the lives of Alamosa County residents, such as economic development, affordable housing, and employee retention. We need long-term strategic planning, not divisive or symbolic resolutions.

I believe in John Adams’ words: “Government is instituted for the common good: for the protection, safety, prosperity, and happiness of the people; and not for the profit, honor, or private interest of any one man, family, or class of men.” This is what I aim to bring to Alamosa County government – a focus on the common good.

In partnership with the railroad, the county has identified 4 RR crossings to be rehabilitated this year.  We hoped to continue this trend in years to come and get all our crossings in good shape.

I will continue to strongly advocate for our people with Intellectual Developmental Disabilities (IDD), our Veterans and our elderly population. With that in mind as well as all citizens, I will support all of our first responders as they play a vital role in the health and happiness of our people.

As a multi-party system of government, which can potentially isolate people and groups, and perhaps cause some to resist working as a unit for the good and benefit of all, I believe with all my heart and have proved through my service, that I can continue to promote working in unison toward a common goal. With trust and integrity, I will certainly extend an honest hand to work with others, rather than against one another, and deliver for the citizens of this great county. I truly believe that our local government in the Conejos County and the San Luis Valley has proved that we are stronger together.

Other issues I would like to bring public awareness to is the drug issues that we are facing. We need to educate ourselves as parents and we need to educate our children on the issues and long-term consequences.

Migrant Safety Plans/Illegal Immigrant Plan – The talk of a Migrant Safety Plan was brought up to the Costilla County Commissioners on May 7, 2024. They were not presented with a written plan, the presenter just stated they would open the community center for migrants to stay until they could be taken to their final destination. (Unknown length of stay.) The commissioners had no clear plan yet made a decision to approve the plan. The community was not notified about this plan. The community has concerns due to the events that have recently taken place in Aurora, Co. The community does not want what little resources our county has, to be used on anyone or anything else. Our law enforcement is barely keeping up with our local crime, drugs and needs. We can’t spread them any thinner, the same applies to our resources.

I am calling for a community forum between all candidates, not just in District 3 to have an open, and honest dialogue between one another and the citizens of the county. We need to hear what the people have to say. and discuss what policies we support to address those concerns.

What is our vision for improving quality of life? This is how we start transparency and community building. As commissioner, I will ensure we are compliant with HB21-1110 Digital Access Law which mandates we post all meeting minutes online for quick digital access by citizens.

We need to get back to the basics of customer service and ensure the public is treated and spoken to in a way that’s honest, ethical and moral. Sometimes we don’t have the jurisdiction to make the change, but we certainly have a moral obligation to bring change for the common good. We need to go from poverty to prosperity, we can do this together by building community, making government more transparent, making the government work for you. Put me in the office and I can help get us there! My public record demonstrates that I have been fighting for the taxpayer, fighting for clean government, fighting for justice. Above all, fighting for people each step of the way!

It’s not about party, Democrats or Republicans, or independents. This election is about being honest, working hard and caring that all people are treated with respect and dignity. Public safety, water and water quality, fair pay to the employees that do the actual work. We need to pay employees a living wage to keep our younger families here and not have to leave to work. 

Another much needed project would be working with the town of San Luis and others to get funding for a community center for the southern end of the county. This would be a great benefit to all in the county.

Something else that would be of great benefit to the residents of the county would be an elderly living center. After talking to people I’m the community, they have expressed a need for this.

Our elderly, veterans and disabled residents could be closer to home. The families would not have to travel so far and the people would be happier and more comfortable.

Doing this and answering to every single resident of the county and to God has to matter!

Muchas gracias a todos and may God always bless us, our families our faith and this country because we are all Americans!

The overreaching arm of state government trying to eliminate local control and passing “one size fits all” legislation that does not meet the needs of our community

As agricultural lands are dried up to protect the aquifer, those lands must be restored to their original state, or potentially be converted to solar energy production.

Most importantly the lack of mental health services. It seems that when there is a mental health situation, it seems hopeless to get or find help. This frustration has been expressed valley-wide by many, many residents, law enforcement and health care and social workers.