Unless an unaffiliated candidate petitions onto the November general election ballot, the Montezuma County commissioner race for Districts 2 and 3 likely will be decided during the June 30 primary election.
Republican candidates Kent Lindsay and Danny Wilkin are running in District 2, which represents the Cortez area. Republican candidates Monty Guiles and Joel “Joe” Stevenson are running in District 3, which represents the Mancos area. The winners will be on the November ballot, and as of Friday, would face no challengers.
The Journal submitted questions to the candidates. Here are the answers for District 2 candidates Kent Lindsay and Danny Wilkin.
Kent Lindsay
1. Promoting agriculture and economic development are often touted as candidate priorities. What examples or ideas do you have on how to accomplish these goals?
ANSWER: Promoting agriculture, jobs and economic development, and also roads, have been used in a lot of campaigns. To accomplish these goals, let’s begin by firming up what we have. Let’s look at the current land use code to see if it is impeding or enhancing growth and development. Are costs too high? Let’s use the county planning and zoning group and an economic group to focus on these goals. Give Planning and Zoning more leeway in making land use decisions.
We can promote agriculture through events like Four States AG Expo the Four Corners Home and Garden show and the use of groups like Farm Bureau, the CSU Extension office and the Southwestern Colorado Research Center in Yellow Jacket. I will support of all our water assets, water companies and the Dolores Water Conservancy District. Let’s work with companies like Kinder Morgan, Osprey, Iron Wood, Aspen Wood Products excelsior plant and local construction companies to find out how to bring more jobs to our area. We are going have to become more creative to compete with the outside world.
2. What government or life experience qualifies you to be a county commissioner? How often have you attended county commissioner meetings in the past year?
ANSWER: My first governing experience came from being Exalted Ruler of the local Elks Lodge. Then I joined the Cortez Volunteer Fire Department and rose through the ranks from safety officer to EMS captain then chief, and after I retired from the department, I was elected to the Cortez Fire Protection District Board and served two four-year terms. As an EMS captain, I helped reform the Montezuma County EMS Council and worked with Montezuma County, city of Cortez and all the other emergency provider agencies to create the Dispatch Center. As chief, I was responsible for all areas of the department including budget formation and oversight. I was elected Montezuma County commissioner in 1996 and served two terms. In those years, we oversaw all the budget of county departments and worked with the other elected officials in the county on their budgets. While in office we had a number of challenges, two major wildfires at Mesa Verde, one which caused to relocate the county fair. We were involved in the largest manhunt in the nation at the time, when officer Claxton was murdered. I was involved in the creation of the county land use code, and fought and lobbied in Washington, D.C., against the creation of the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. It was created with only mining being restricted. I fought and won grazing rights for local ranchers on Cannonball Mesa and Boggy Draw area. I am currently a board member of Empire Electric, having served two terms. My wife and I have owned and operated the El Grande Cafe since 1980, which is no small feat these days.
3. What do you see as the role of a county commissioner, and what are some of your priorities? How would you describe your governance style?
ANSWER: The role of commissioner is broad and complex. You serve in a very unique position in government. You are executive, legislative and judicial, all rolled into one office. You oversee budgets and create rules and regulations and enforce those same rules and regulations. Above all is the protection of our rights and freedoms. As far as style, you have to listen, listen, listen and realize that the people that come through the door of the Commissioner’s room are there for a purpose and sometimes you are their last hope to accomplish that goal. You have to be fair and equal and have no predetermined opinions or motives. A commissioner who had served a few terms once told me when the time came to make these decisions to not only govern with your mind but also with your heart. I have kept that advice close.
4. What are the pros and cons of the current commissioners’ leadership style and actions?
ANSWER: To judge how the current commissioners have preformed can only be done in history. I believe they have done their best, and with all that comes with the job, there are successes and also mistakes.
5. Governance can be a rocky road when there is disagreement. How would you deal with a controversial topic or tough decision where there is strong debate and emotion on all sides about the best approach?
ANSWER: When tough decisions are to be made, to me it comes down to education. You must educate yourself on the issue as much as possible. When all sides are given the chance to openly present their side, and staff has given their opinion, it comes down to the three commissioners making their deliberations and a decision has to be made. Sometimes it is a very tough and hopefully correct.
6. The county commissioners make final decisions on land use applications based on the county land use code. Have you read the land use code?
ANSWER: To keep it simple, I have not read the current code, but read the previous code and was part of the creation of the original code. If elected, I would read and learn the current code.
7. If there were a Heavy Industrial application request in an agricultural area with substantial agricultural and residential opposition, how would you handle the situation?
ANSWER: In a decision of a heavy industrial application, you make sure all of the code requirements are met, then proceed with problems that can arise and determine if the problems can be mitigated with the landowners and citizens that could be affected. You must also give consideration to all agencies – fire, EMS, sheriff, etc. – that could also be impacted. Then proceed to public hearing and a decision.
8. If there were an application for a new oil or gas well near a residential subdivision whose residents have concerns regarding the construction process and hazards, how would you handle the situation?
ANSWER: An oil and gas application would get the same attention as a heavy industrial application. But the oil and gas would get more scrutiny for noise, light and traffic. All mitigation factors would be the same. The public hearing would give the affected resident an opportunity to express their opinions and the commission would render a decision based on all factors.
9. The current county commission supports completion of the 17- mile Paths to Mesa Verde trail connecting Mancos and Cortez, and have obtained grant funding for final planning. Would you support moving forward on this project?
ANSWER: This project would get my support. As long as tax monies are not used and property owners are onboard as well. I believe this will bring more people to our area and give business an opportunity to sell goods and services.
10. The county commission has banned retail and commercial marijuana operations in the unincorporated county. Do you support this ban, why or why not?
ANSWER: I support the ban based on the fact that the municipalities already have the rules and regulations and have the support services to handle the extra work load that will come with legalization.
11. What should the county commission do to help to protect the community from the COVID-19 virus?
ANSWER: To protect the citizens from the COVID-19 virus we must first have accurate and reliable information. The information form CDPHE has been thin, and the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control seems to change weekly. Do you wear a mask or a face covering? Do you wear a mask or a face covering at all? Montezuma County should go back to the basics and repeat the importance of hand-washing, not touching your face, if you are sick stay home, if you think you have been exposed and have symptoms get tested. If you have a disease and are at risk, take the extra precautions of wearing a face covering and limit your exposure. Our health department should be the lead in keeping the public informed and updated on health issues.
12. Kinder Morgan’s CO2 production provides more than 50 percent of the county-wide tax base. What suggestions do you have to replace that tax revenue and job base when the CO2 resources begin to decline.
ANSWER: Replacing Kinder Morgan tax base will be a very big problem. When Shell first came in, Commissioner Floyd Ray told the board and staff to never become fully reliant on the newfound funds as they could always go away, and it holds true today. To replace these funds, the county can ask the citizens for a sales tax but at what level?
13. Montezuma County does not collect a sales tax. There has been discussion in recent years to ask the voters for a 1% sales tax. Do you support this idea, why or why not? Would you support putting this tax question on the ballot?
ANSWER: I support asking the taxpayer for a 1% sales tax. But, there is always a but, we must also keep in mind that our business people compete with other area municipalities and we don’t need to give people another excuse to shop out of the area. I do foresee a decline in revenue in the coming year. The county’s assessed valuation will drop because of the ratcheting down effect of the Gallagher Amendment. The decreased pricing of oil and CO2 will cause revenues to fall. Hopefully oil prices will come back up, and this will not happen.
14. Colorado Open Meeting laws require adequate public notice be given any time two or more commissioners meet to discuss county government business, including through email and phone communication. Will you comply with this law?
ANSWER: The easy question. I will comply fully with the open meetings law.
15. Will you be transparent about potential conflicts of interest, and abstain from voting on decisions where you have a conflict of interest?
ANSWER: I will recuse myself from any and all conflicts of interest. When I was a commissioner, I recused myself a total of four times in eight years due to conflict with fire-related contacts and family land splits. I and fellow commissioners had agreed we would actually leave the room as to have no effect on the proceedings.
Danny Wilkin
1. Promoting agriculture and economic development are often touted as candidate priorities. What examples or ideas do you have on how to accomplish these goals?
ANSWER: Whether it is agriculture, creating jobs or economic development, we have to have good access in and out of our community in roads and internet capability. As technology and the world continue to change, our need is going to be greater. We need to look at all these and other issues as county-wide issues and work together including municipalities, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and other entities. I think it is the only way we can be successful while remembering that government is not the solution to all problems. Some tasks are best suited to be solved by private enterprise.
2. What government or life experience qualifies you to be a county commissioner? How often have you attended county commissioner meetings in the past year?
ANSWER: I am a small-business owner and have operated a residential construction company for the last 20 years. During this time, I have dealt with multiple clients and their budgets. Often times, it is a juggling act of the wants and needs of the customer. This is similar to the budget of the county, as the total budget is broken down into smaller budgets for the elected officials, department heads and multiple programs. I also have a farm north of Cortez where I am the fifth generation to call it home. We raise bison on the farm that we sell to local markets and abroad.
I have been involved our community by serving as a 4-H project leader. I helped to organize the Southwest Softball League, served on their board of directors, and coached for 14 years, even coaching the daughters of one of my former players. I was active in the Four Corners Builder Association and served as president for four years. The last 12 years, I have been active in the Montezuma County Republican Central Committee. I served as the party chairman for seven years, just stepping down this past February to run for the county commissioner seat. Over these years, I have made friends and relationships that can be helpful when dealing on state and federal issues that Montezuma County faces.
I am currently serving my seventh year on the Board of Directors for Montezuma Valley Irrigation Co. This service and my role as county commissioner will allow me more time and opportunities to work on water issues we face. Whether you are an ag producer, just water your lawn and flowers, or just drink it, the protection of our water is crucial. There continues to be uncontrolled growth and use on the Front Range and the Lower Basin states.
My involvement in the community has given me the chance to understand the diversity of our community. I have a passion for public service and will serve to the best of my ability.
I have attended most commissioner meetings over the last year in person and many meetings over the past 12 years. Because of COVID-19, I attended meetings through Zoom. I am happy to report I have personally been at the last three meetings. I feel it is important to personally attend these meetings, because I feel I am serious about the position of Montezuma County commissioner.
3. What do you see as the role of a county commissioner, and what are some of your priorities? How would you describe your governance style?
ANSWER: The board of commissioners has a very diverse role. They are the legislative body of the county by setting policy, regulation and budgets. They oversee administration, department heads, and the many different programs within the county government.
Commissioners work with other elected county officials and set their budgets.
Commissioners are also tasked with representing the county with federal and state agencies on issues regarding Montezuma County. They also serve as the Board of Health, and the Board of Equalization along with other boards and committees. One of my goals and priorities is to develop stronger relationships with the other municipalities, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and other entities. As the elected leaders of Montezuma County, I feel we should be involved, informed, and provide leadership in all aspects of the county. We must be able to address concerns, find solutions, be willing to ask the hard questions, and be professional and respectful even when you have different opinions. This is something I have learned and developed over the last 20 years of being a general contractor.
4. What are the pros and cons of the current commissioners’ leadership style and actions?
ANSWER: I think each one has their own strengths and style in working for the residents of Montezuma County. I think all of them are passionate in their beliefs as they deal with the diverse issues they face.
5. Governance can be a rocky road when there is disagreement. How would you deal with a controversial topic or tough decision where there is strong debate and emotion on all sides about the best approach?
ANSWER: You have to listen to all the sides and differing opinions while gathering as much information as possible. You also have to keep control over the debate and atmosphere in the room.
6. The county commissioners make final decisions on land-use applications based on the county land use code. Have you read the land use code?
ANSWER: I have read and worked within the confines of it on several projects and so I feel I have a good understanding of it. I will continue to study the land use code and how it applies to situations we are faced with. We also have to look at periodical changes that may need to be made to the land use code as new situations occur.
7. If there were a Heavy Industrial application request in an agricultural area with substantial agricultural and residential opposition, how would you handle the situation?
ANSWER: I would look at each situation and see the specifics, taking into account the pros and cons while looking at how it fits into the existing land use code. Some types of industrial uses are required to be in specific locations just due to their operations. I would also have to look at how the proposed activity affects the private property rights of the opposition and the developer. The other part to consider is if it is needed for critical infrastructure. Then weigh it all and make a decision that is best for the county as a whole.
8. If there were an application for a new oil or gas well near a residential subdivision whose residents have concerns regarding the construction process and hazards, how would you handle the situation?
ANSWER: There are regulations and state statutes that deal with setbacks including residential areas, water protection, air quality and other concerns. Through the Montezuma County’s land-use code and the permit process, other issues — such as light, noise and traffic — can be addressed. All they while, it is important to remember that the owners of property and mineral rights have the right to develop them.
9. The current county commission supports completion of the 17- mile Paths to Mesa Verde trail connecting Mancos and Cortez, and have obtained grant funding for final planning. Would you support moving forward on this project?
ANSWER: As with anything that involves economic development, I will be open-minded and look to see what we can do to make it work. The funding for this project would come through CDOT as federal grants and not from Montezuma County’s general fund. I think ultimately how fast it proceeds depends on funding. The state of Colorado has serious budget concerns and shortfalls. The passage of SB19-181 in 2019 had significant impacts on Colorado’s oil-and-gas industry, which in turn decreased taxes and revenue from the jobs that have been lost in Colorado. The COVID-19 situation this spring has only added to the state budget problems.
The recreation aspects of Montezuma county are unlimited and will continue to grow. We need to use that to our advantage in attracting visitors to our area. We need to capture more of the visitors to Mesa Verde National Park than we currently do so they stop, stay and spend dollars here.
10. The county commission has banned retail and commercial marijuana operations in the unincorporated county. Do you support this ban, why or why not?
ANSWER: With the passage of Amendment 64, the marijuana industry is probably here to stay. I do support the ban on retail and commercial marijuana operations in the county. The three municipalities have approved or are working towards multiple facilities within their jurisdictions.
11. What should the county commission do to help to protect the community from the COVID-19 virus?
ANSWER: Hopefully we are going to start moving past COVID-19 and see our numbers remain very low. I do feel we must continue to monitor the situation and act accordingly. We do have to get our county economy back up and running, with people working and businesses fully open again. The effects it has had on our businesses and residents is very real. When people start losing their homes and business, they have worked for it can create some dire situations.
12. Kinder Morgan’s CO2 production provides more than 50 percent of the county-wide tax base. What suggestions do you have to replace that tax revenue and job base when the CO2 resources begin to decline.
ANSWER: There is no golden goose to replace this economic source to the county and the jobs it creates throughout our community. I don’t believe government creates jobs but, through policy, it can create an atmosphere that attracts businesses and opportunities. We have to look at things that make sense here. The recent opening and expansion of the timber manufacturing industries in Dolores and Mancos, not only creates jobs but also uses a valuable and renewable resource, along with increasing forest health. The direct impacts to the forest include reduction of forest fires, insect and disease prevention, and additional water resources to our rivers and lakes. I think long and short-term planning on what we want to attract or develop, is necessary, along with diversifying our economy.
13. Montezuma County does not collect a sales tax. There has been discussion in recent years to ask the voters for a 1% sales tax. Do you support this idea, why or why not? Would you support putting this tax question on the ballot?
ANSWER: We have to weigh the need for a sales tax based on our county’s financial needs and situation. Throwing money at a problem does not always solve it. The benefit of a sales tax is that it applies to everyone buying something in the county. I am sure it would need to be structured so that some purchases would be exempt. If it was justified, I would not have a problem with letting the voters of Montezuma County decide. I do know that we can’t continue to put all the burden on the backs of property owners in the form of mill levies.
14. Colorado Open Meeting laws require adequate public notice be given any time two or more commissioners meet to discuss county government business, including through email and phone communication. Will you comply with this law?
ANSWER: Yes
15. Will you be transparent about potential conflicts of interest, and abstain from voting on decisions where you have a conflict of interest?
ANSWER: I will be forthcoming if there are any issues where that would be the case. I would gladly recuse myself as my interest is to make the best decisions for the county residents.
