In the just completed primary election, Jim Candelaria ran on his record during his current term as commissioner. Given that he only won by 72 votes, it would appear that a significant number of those who voted don't think that his record is what they believe is important for the county, in general, and for them as individuals, in particular.
Looking at all of the votes shows an even greater lack of support for Candelaria. According to the released information of the 5,447 votes that were cast, only 38.03% were for Candelaria. Given this lack of underwhelming support for Candelaria, I would suggest and hope that Tim Lanier attempts to get on the ballot in the general election, possibly as an independent. I voted for him in the primary and I would vote for him in the general election.
I believe that there are some Republicans who voted for Liz Tozer and a number of Democrats who would also vote for him. Montezuma County does not need another four years of lackluster leadership that seems to be based on what will we do today without any regard to where the county needs to be tomorrow. It is time for someone with new ideas. It is time for the electors of the county to stop giving rubber-stamp approval to an incumbent.
Dick Simmons
Mancos
