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Tuesday, October 31, 2006
The 2006 Election
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Governor: Bill Ritter. The Denver District Attorney supported Referendum C two years ago, which gave the state temporary relief from spending restrictions, and opposed Referendum A, a $2 billion water question which would have threatened every major river basin in Colorado including the Arkansas. U.S. Rep. Bob Beauprez of Denver supported A and opposed C, which leads to the question of how in touch he is with rural issues in the state.
Secretary of State: Mike Coffman. In 1998 and again in 2002, Colorado voters selected him to serve as state treasurer. As a Marine reserve officer, he took a leave of absence to volunteer for duty in Iraq, working to assist the country's new government with elections. With issues cropping up in the 2002 and 2004 state election, he is clearly someone who can address problems and come up with solutions.
State Treasurer: Mark Hillman. A wheat farmer from Burlington, he was elected to the state Senate and then appointed by Gov. Bill Owens to serve as state treasurer in the absence of Mike Coffman. As senate minority leader, he worked with the Democratic majority on various bipartisan issues. Opponent Cary Kennedy has been involved in statewide issues.
Attorney General: John Suthers. He served as district attorney for the Fourth Judicial District in Colorado Springs and as U.S. Attorney. He ran against Ken Salazar for the Colorado Attorney General post and lost. When voters elected Mr. Salazar to the U.S. Senate in 2004, Gov. Owens appointed Mr. Suthers to fill the vacancy. With his experience as a district attorney, U.S. Attorney and Colorado Attorney General, he is the clear choice in this election. Although a distinguished lawyer, Democrat Fern O'Brien does not have prosecutorial experience.
Fifth Congressional District: Doug Lamborn supports President Bush's Iraq policy and conservative positions. Jay Fawcett is a decorated veteran Air Force officer who questions administration war policies.
State Senate 5th District: Lewis Entz. The Hooper potato farmer has been representing the region for 22 years as a state representative and state senator. He is a friend of rural counties, helping to bring money to rural airports and search and rescue operations and equalizing school funding. He helped resolve a dispute about above-ground storage tanks at the Salida airport and intervened with the Colorado Department of Transportation to provide direct access to the new hospital site off Colo. 291. Opponent Gail Schwartz of Aspen is a worthy candidate, but Mr. Entz is closer to the issues that matter most to the 5th District.
State Representative 60th District: Tom Massey, Republican. Elected to the Legislature in 2004, the Poncha Springs resident serves on the local government, finance and education committees. He said when it comes to public schools, one size does not fit all districts, that rural districts generally do not get a fair shake. He said he will work for funding rural roads and highways and to preserve water quality. He is opposed by Curtis Imrie of Buena Vista.
Chaffee County Commissioner: Incumbent Tim Glenn supports county involvement in water issues, in particular, recreational interests. Challenger Bev Scanga says the county owns no senior water rights and water issues are better left to others to manage. Mr. Glenn states the county is in a strong financial position. Mrs. Scanga advocates economic diversity through a business development corporation.
Chaffee County Sheriff: Incumbent Tim Walker points to 20 years plus in law enforcement, his work with youth and education, drug interdiction and his side-by-side work with deputies. Independent Jon White said he does not plan to carry a gun or wear a uniform, would increase physical and mental training and would be aggressive on drug enforcement.
Chaffee County Assessor: Incumbent Joann Boyd has 37 years of experience in the office, the past 17 years as county assessor. She said she has a proven record and has never failed a state audit. Challenger Ronald Edwards said his years with the Internal Revenue Service and corporate business qualify him for assessor.
Question 1A, Animal Shelter: Yes. 1A would provide a reliable funding source through a one-half mil levy for the much needed countywide animal shelter.
- MJB
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