The Crested Butte News Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1999
Between now and the end of October, the Crested Butte News will be asking the six candidates for Gunnison County Commissioner questions related to issues in the community. We have requested they keep their answers to 350 words or less.
If you have any specific question you’d like to see the six candidates address, email it to editorial@crestedbuttenews.com and we will consider posing the query to the politicos. Remember, all qualified county voters get to cast a ballot for one candidate in each district.
Also…everyone is invited to the Crested Butte News Candidates Forum being held this year on Thursday, October 18 at 6 o’clock at the Center for the Arts. Everyone is welcome.
—Mark Reaman
Stu Ferguson
district 1 candidate
Q: Give us some past experience you might have on government, non-profit or business boards that could help you in your role as a County Commissioner.
Please consider the following: Post-graduate work at Western State in Public Administration. Many years of actual management experience managing the Gunnison Police Department, political experience as mayor of Gunnison for eight years, Twelve years of successful private sector experience, served as secretary of the Gunnison Crested Butte Tourism Association, co-chair of the Gunnison Valley Rural Transportation Authority, and vice president of the Gunnison Valley Observatory, veteran, US Army, resident of Gunnison for over 40 years, married to Ellie Ferguson for over 43 years. We have two children and two grandchildren. I am keenly aware of the difficulty many of our families and friends have had over the last few years. My personal style of bringing all people together for the betterment of the entire community, the diversity of my qualifications, and my understanding of public policy process qualifies me to serve you as your Gunnison County Commissioner for District One.
Q: Why are you running for this position?
It’s time for a change. I will pursue a much more diverse economic base for Gunnison County to dampen the effects of economic turmoil and create more primary jobs for Gunnison County residents. Economists often say that the most successful and sustainable economic opportunities are those that are already within an arm’s reach. Gunnison County has a viable tourism industry. We have a university with unlimited potential. We have a wealth of cultural and artistic resources. Gunnison County also has an amazing wealth of natural resources. We have forest products. Energy resources including forest biomass, oil, gas, geothermal, and hydroelectric are abundant. Metals ranging from gold to ytterbium can be found in the county. Responsible and balanced development of the diverse opportunities already surrounding us is the key to turning economic opportunity into economic reality.
Q: What is your favorite summer activity?
All the things that take us outdoors. Exploring, hiking, geocaching, fishing, camping, sunrises, sunsets, and stargazing.
Q: Manning or Tebow?
Tebow—Manning is immediate gratification, a short-term, short-lived solution, I favor building a team that will grow into a bright, long-lasting future.
Steve Schechter
district 1 candidate
Q: Give us some past experience you might have on government, non-profit or business boards that could help you in your role as a County Commissioner.
I am chairman of the Lake San Cristobal Water Activity Enterprise board now constructing the outlet works to provide augmentation water. I’m a director for the Gunnison County Electric Association, which is working on a hydro project on the Taylor Dam and a community solar garden. As co-chair of the Mountain Chapter of the Colorado Straw Bale Association, I brought two conferences to WSCU. My other activities include serving on the Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District, member of the Gunnison County Carbon Policy Task Force, member of the Gunnison County Energy Conservation Points System, director for the Western United Electrical Supply Company, and director of High Country Citizens’ Alliance.
Q: Why are you running for this position?
I love the valley and our communities. I am having so much fun on the campaign trail meeting citizens and attending many local events. I have always been interested in civic affairs. I believe I have the vision needed to move this county forward during a trying economy through rural economic development, investing in ourselves.
My plan includes expanding recreation and tourism infrastructure, and using our important resources of clean water, air and land to benefit local businesses, agriculture, and families.
Q: What is your favorite summer activity?
Gardening and mountain biking
Q: Manning or Tebow
I’m always outside, so I never see the games.
Paula Swenson
district 1 candidate
Q: Give us some past experience you might have on government, non-profit or business boards that could help you in your role as a County Commissioner.
1986-1990, Member, Gunnison
Business Assoc.
1988-1990, President, Gunnison
Business Assoc.
1989-1995, WSC Alumni Board of Directors
1990-1993, Chamber of Commerce Board
1993-1995, Gunnison City Council Member
1993-1995, Council Rep. to Planning Commission
1995-1996, Gunnison County Pre-school Board
1997-1998, Gunnison City Council Member
2000-2003, Dos Rios Golf Course Board of Directors
2001-2003, President, Dos Rios Golf Course
2000-2003, Dos Rios III Homeowner’s Board
2002-2003, Dos Rios III President
2003-2004, Gunnison County Beautification Committee
2005-Current, Gunnison County Commissioner
2005-Current, Region 10 Representative for County
2008-2009, Chair Region 10 Executive Committee
2006-2011, Gunnison County Sage-grouse Committee
2006-2008, Board member of Club 20 for Gunnison
2007-Current, Chamber of Commerce Board
2010-Current, Rural Transportation Authority Rep.
2012-Current, Tourism Association Rep.
Q: Why are you running for this position?
Continuity…and experience is a major reason I am running for re-election. Currently there is one commissioner with less than two years of experience on the job and another that will be brand new to the position after this election. I bring the experience and understanding of the job that will assist in the formation of the new board. The job of a County Commissioner is quite complex and involved. From Health and Human Services to the Local Marketing District to sitting as the Board of Equalization for property values, there are many hats that are worn by the commissioners that are not in the spotlight. Secondly, I am seeking a third term to finalize efforts that are in process, such as: our economic development efforts, the upcoming listing decision of the Gunnison sage grouse, and the newly formed valley- wide housing authority board. Finally, I am running because I still enjoy the job and am effective at it. I have brought and continue to bring my collaborative manner and skills to issues facing our valley in an attempt to guide our community to a decision that is beneficial to us all. I have no personal or hidden agenda. My driving force is to serve my community for its betterment.
Q: What is your favorite summer activity?
Gardening
Q: Manning or Tebow?
Manning
Jonathan Houck
district 2 candidate
Q: Give us some past experience you might have on government, non-profit or business boards that could help you in your role as a County Commissioner.
I am currently the Mayor of Gunnison and six year member of the council, six years on the RTA board including two as chairman, City of Gunnison Planning and Zoning Commission, Gunnison Arts Center board, County Trails Commission as well as numerous appointments and volunteer positions on strategic plans, committees and focus groups.
Q: Why are you running for this position?
I am a father, a husband, an educator, a business owner and an elected official. In earlier years here, I have been a teacher, a carpenter, a retail worker, a ranch hand and a college student. I ski, hike, ride, run and fish all over the Gunnison Country. Every one of these roles, occupations or adventures has been shaped by this place and its people. Like you, I love this valley and will do what it takes to stay here but know in reality that is not always easy. Gunnison County is a beautiful and unspoiled place with a diverse population that still has roots to the land and lives and breathes by the seasons. It has kept its charm because leaders before us stood up for Gunnison County. Those leaders balanced the needs of the day with an eye to the future. And now it is my time to offer proven leadership and a voice for all of us and the next generation of families and business owners. I am running for county commissioner because I can lead in an open and transparent manner that is inclusive, balanced and forward thinking. I am running because I have the skills and desire to help us move forward with fresh and innovative ideas. I am running because service to community is something I have been trusted with and value.
Q: What is your favorite summer activity?
You mean I have to choose between riding single track in Crested Butte, swimming at Blue Mesa, climbing up Taylor Canyon, listening to music at Alpenglow or Sundays at Six, hiking a peak in the West Elks, tending to our garden, chilling in the park with the kids, taking in art or…..? I’ll go with having that quiet early morning coffee trying to figure out what to do!
Q: Manning or Tebow?
Elway.
Polly Oberosler
district 2 candidate
Q: Give us some past experience you might have on government, non-profit or business boards that could help you in your role as a County Commissioner.
My board experience is limited to serving on the Cattlemen’s Days board of directors for the past several years, putting on the largest annual event in Gunnison County. However, I do have a tremendous amount of experience dealing with and reacting to decisions made by various local boards and how they affect businesses, taxpayers and environmental concerns. I have a good grasp of things when it comes to cause and effect. I feel that I can make more thoughtful decisions as a commissioner when it comes to how my choices relate directly to the people of Gunnison County because of my experience on the receiving end of executive decisions.
Q: Why are you running for this position?
Gunnison County is my passion. I am a communicator and can help provide a common sense voice for people who live and work here, who want to raise a family here and grow old here. An experienced voice that represents the business community, ranching, recreation and education for they collectively are the key to enabling families to thrive here, not simply survive.
Q: What is your favorite summer activity?
I love volunteering my time to the U.S. Forest Service in local wilderness areas where my husband and I clear trails of annual debris and haul often century-old trash on our livestock. We have been at it every summer for the past 15 years. A day on my horse is a day reflecting on the reasons we are all living here.
Q: Manning or Tebow?
After the last two Sundays? I call tails.
Warren Wilcox,
district 2 candidate
Q: Give us some past experience you might have on government, non-profit or business boards that could help you in your role as a county commissioner.
My first experience with Gunnison County government was not serving on boards, but was working part-time as an appraiser for the Assessors Office while attending WSC. After graduating I was employed for approximately five years as an equipment operator by Gunnison County Road and Bridge Department. The experience of working within an organization allows a person to have extra-ordinary appreciation for the leadership needed to operate successfully. In addition to that experience, I have interacted many times with different county departments as a citizen proposing land-use changes and as a business person obtaining necessary permits and approvals in order to operate. I served on the County’s Board of Adjustments for several years. I currently serve on the County Planning Commission and have since June 2011. After declaring my candidacy for commissioner in February, I have attended all County Commissioner meetings. I have attempted to educate myself as much as possible regarding current issues and citizen opinions regarding those issues.
Q: Why are you running for this position?
I declared my candidacy because I believe there are some issues that can be addressed on the local level by committed people trying to make this county a better place to live and work. There are opportunities to change the way the county operates. The tone of the bureaucracy could be more helpful and there could be better mechanisms in place to assist businesses. We need to build an environment of opportunity for all citizens. The economy in Gunnison County cannot be changed overnight. Hard decisions are going to be necessary, balancing the need for change against the unintended consequences created. We need a balanced mix of thriving industries and leadership that exhibits good stewardship of its resources—natural resources and the most important component of a community, its people. Local government must respond to the reduced economic situation just as its citizens do—more conservative planning and reducing or delaying optional expenditures.
Q: What is your favorite summer activity?
My favorite summer activity is participating in the car show!
Q: Manning or Tebow?
Tebow.
