Montezuma County benefits greatly from contested Republican primaries, because most years those primaries determine who will serve. This years commission contests have been especially strong, because candidates have focused on the nonpartisan issues facing the county.
In the District 2 race between Pat DeGagne-Rule, Keenan Ertel and Bud Garner, the competition is between Ertel and Garner, with the edge to Ertel. Garner knows the issues and has campaigned very effectively; however, his desire to see all decisions facing the county through a freedom lens is likely to compromise his ability to make practical decisions. County government functions best when the commissioners chart sensible steps toward a carefully conceived vision of the future. We believe Ertel is the candidate best able to participate in that forward progress.
In District 3, Dewayne Findley was a very effective commissioner before losing a close race. He has continued to be a dedicated advocate for Montezuma County in its relationship with other governmental entities. Casey McClellan should be commended for his substantial public service; however, his voiced desire to see an oil or gas well on every farm and his refusal to acknowledge the environmental issues related to energy development hamper his ability to represent the broadest interests of the county.
Both Ertel and Findley have track records in business and civic involvement that demonstrate their ability to lead the county forward.
