Republican James Lambert, a retired businessman from Pleasant View, will be the next Montezuma County commissioner.

Lambert coasted to victory over rival Bill Utrup, an Independent.

By 10 p.m. 9,200 votes had been cast with Lambert earning 5,163 votes and Utrup bringing in 3,174 votes. Only 500 more ballots were left to be counted.

Utrup conceded Tuesday night.

"I really appreciate all the support I had," he said. "I'm still going to work hard in the community as if I was a commissioner."

Lambert, 77, will replace commissioner Steve Chappell, whose term is up Jan. 1.

In other races, Deputy County Clerk Kim Percell beat out challenger Judy Marquez, bringing in 5,877 votes compared with Marquez's 2,689 votes.

Percell said her No. 1 priority is customer service, and that as the deputy clerk, she is certified in different departments. She has worked for the clerk's office since 2005, beginning in the motor vehicle department, and then being appointed to chief deputy in 2011.

In uncontested races, Sherry Dyess will be the Montezuma County treasurer, and William Scott Davis will be Montezuma County assessor. Ernest E. Maness will be the county surveyor, and George Deavers will be county coroner. Montezuma County Judge JenniLynn Everett Lawrence was retained.

The race for Montezuma County commission focused on concerns fairly typical in a rural, conservative region.

Federal government over reach, a controversial land-use plan in the Dolores Valley, economic development, public land access, roads, and CO2 production on farmland topped the charts.

After petitioning to get on the ballot, Lambert beat out Republican rival Jim Candelaria in the GOP primary.

Lambert said his plan for job growth depends on a partnership between Cortez and the county.

"I would suggest that the commission sit down with the trucking interests in our area and see what kind of manufacturing could best be accommodated by our current transportation system, and then seek that kind of business."

Lambert's priorities include preventing federal encroachment on property owners and improving county roads.

When questioned about the county's RS2477 efforts to take over U.S. Forest Service roads, Lambert said: "So far as I am concerned, all roads in the county not designated as U.S. or state highways already are county roads. RS2477 is a law. It should be adhered to."

A 10-year old land-use plan in the Dolores valley became a focus of the election. A system of Transferable Development Rights (TDRs) capped total growth in the critical watershed of the Dolores Valley. The plan was overturned by commissioners despite support to keep the plan by the planning commission.

A citizens group sued the county, saying eliminating TDRs constitutes a property taking because TDRs have monetary value. The case is pending.

Regarding TDRs, Lambert believes that water quality is a No. 1 concern for waterways in the county. He said the 10-acre minimum for development in the Dolores Valley, along with engineered septic systems, are sufficient for protecting water quality. He said as development increases, water quality needs close monitoring.

The county is in the process to claim the Dolores-Norwood road from U.S. Forest Service jurisdiction. Lambert said federal ownership is a misnomer: "The land does not belong to government agencies but to the people," he said.

Lambert added that "the Constitution does not authorize the federal government to own land except for certain things. The fact that we do have (those agencies) does not mean it is the right thing to do."

Lambert said that CO2 producer Kinder Morgan needs oversight and development is hurting Pleasant View and Goodman Point farmers, and impacts road quality. Other priorities for Lambert are reigning in federal government overreach, more development of natural resources, and overall road maintenance.

Lambert was on the board that founded the Montezuma Water Company. He has been active with the Pleasant View Fire Department, and helps to manage local phone and data service for businesess.

"I believe I understand how this is done, it is not by throwing money at something, but rather careful planning and a lot of hard work," he said.

Lambert is fearful of Agenda 21, a belief that the federal government and U.N. are collaborating to control Americans.

jmimiaga@cortezjournal.com