Candidates give final pitch at forum
State and local candidates gave one last push to earn some votes during last Tuesday’s candidate and issues forum, sponsored by the Washington County Farm Bureau and the Washington County Republicans.
A good crowd gathered at the Otis School to hear the candidate’s view points on various issues. In attendance were Robbie Furrow and Jose Pena, Washington County Sheriff candidates; Gisele Jefferson and Sean Kennedy, Washington County District 1 Commissioner candidates; Annie Kuntz, Washington County Clerk and Recorder candidate; Michelle Swan, Washington County Treasurer candidate; Dallas Bowin, Washington County Coroner candidate; and Hali Thompson, Washington County Assessor candidate. State candidates on-hand were Byron Pelton, District 1 Senate candidate, and Jessie Vance, District 63 House of Representative candidate. Richard Holtorf, also a District 63 House of Representative, was unable to attend in-person and was present via Zoom.
Riley Strand, President of the Washington County Farm Bureau, welcomed those in attendance and introduced those in attendance. Candidates were allowed three minutes to introduce themselves with opening statements, and were to answer three to five questions submitted online to the Farm Bureau. The event was a forum, not a debate.
Uncontested candidates were first to speak. Kuntz, running for her second term, said she will be with the County 30 years in September. She said her office has new employees and she continues to do cross-training with those individuals. A recent grant of $60,000 will help with maintenance of digital recording system, and she will be applying for another grant for her recording firewall. Ballots have been mailed out and voters can track their ballot with BallotTrax.
“I am looking forward to serving the citizens of Washington County for another four years,” Kuntz closed.
Thompson is just shy of seven years of appraisal experience. She said she has hands-on experience in the day-to-day operations of the office. When she came to Washington County, she said she has learned so much more and is able to take those challenges head-on. Thompson touched on the Senior Property Tax Exemption, due July 15, as well as the Veterans Exemption, July 1. More information on both can be obtained from the Assessor’s office.
Swan gave some background on herself, including that she was hired at the Treasurer’s office on March 13, 2017 and currently serves as Deputy Treasurer. The department has made some big changes, including assisting in the latest software conversion, accepting credit cards for tax payments and moving tax lien sales online.
Bowin has been Coroner for the last five years and is seeking re-election for a second term. He said he has a great group of Deputy Coroners who assist him, and he greatly appreciates them.
Pelton, currently a Logan County Commissioner, thanked several individuals and congratulated Washington County as voting in the largest percentage in the state, which is amazing for how small the county is.
“I am here to fight for agriculture and the rural way of life. It’s what I stand for and who I am,” Pelton added.
He is an advocate for oil and gas in our communities. Pelton said legislature attacked law enforcement and they need to be sure they roll back some of the issues.
In the first contested race of the evening to be highlighted, current Undersheriff Furrow took the stand first. He is a 20-year veteran of law enforcement, starting his career under Al English in Washington County.
“I love this county, I love this agency and can’t think of a better place to live and work,” he said.
Pena thanked everyone for considering him a candidate for Sheriff. His interest in law enforcement began at a young age sparked by a Texas State Trooper, eventually joining the Explorer program as a teen and then spending years in the military.
“I have a lot of background and would appreciate your support,” he said.
The first question for both Sheriff candidates was, “What are your plans to hire and retain qualified staff at the Sheriff’s Office, including the jail?”
“My plan is to continue to do what we’ve been doing. The one thing Sheriff Stivers, the administration and I have talked about is creating a culture that is like a second family, and I think we’ve done a pretty good job. I can’t compete with Morgan County or Logan County with wages, but one thing we can do is treat people as more than just a number. We try to take care of one another. I think it’s important to work with the commissioners to try to get salaries up from time to time, but the reality is we have a limited income coming into this county. We will never be able to ‘wow’ people with dollars, but we can offer more training, especially in-house. On the Justice Center side, we are currently offering sign-on bonuses from the Justice Center funds. I just want to build upon that morale moving forward,” Furrow answered.
Pena replied next. “I want the staff feel safe and confident by offering training and better equipment. I want to show true leadership by example. I will never ask someone to do something that I am not willing to perform. I will attempt to raise salaries – it will be a hard one with commissioners, but I believe that relationship with them needs to be there. Like Robbie said, I want to turn that place into a family and they enjoy what they doing.”
The next Sheriff question was, “School safety is at the front of minds right now, so what would be your plan to ensure the safety and protection of each of our county schools?”
Pena was first to answer. “School safety to me is very important, as I have several grandkids in school. I will ensure there are concealed carried staff in each of the schools and that they go through the proper training. Deputies will know and recognize who those staff in each of those schools are. Each school will have continued training in active shooting instructors. Deputies will know every entrance of every school and train with staff at each of those schools. Sheriff’s Office has the ability to use the T.I. computer program, a hands-on simulator with any type of training to enhance ability to protect. I, personally, have over 10,000 hours of urban assault training and active combat training in the military which changes over to active shooter training for civilian times.”
“We have two staff members graduating from active shooter training on Friday. I will reach out to all of the schools, and have talked to one, to do some training before students come back in the fall. School safety is one of my top priorities. I don’t want anything to happen in this county under my watch, or anyone’s watch. For the last five years, I have been able to build a relationship with all of the superintendents and principals. The Sheriff’s Office started a school safety committee a few years ago and it will be my mission to see that committee meet at least quarterly to identify any possible issues before they arise. It is a goal of ours to train and we will hit every school. We will focus on patrolling schools more in the morning and afternoons and making ourselves available,” Furrow commented.
Next to the Sheriff candidates was, “Our county covers many miles. What are your plans to personally be visible and available throughout the county?”
“Honestly, I’m just planning on continuing doing what I do now. I respond to calls and am quite often a secondary or back-up officer. It’s important the Sheriff or any of the staff on the patrol side be willing to take a call and help out. I plan to be very active, which I believe is needed to be an effective Sheriff. I plan to go to public events, school events and things in all parts of the county. It’s a great chance to meet people and to be part of community and understand the concerns of the citizens away from the office. It’s official capacity, but it’s not scary,” Furrow said.
“After working the mandates hours I’m required to do, I will be patrolling the outlining areas of the county.Sheriff must understand they are servants of the county and they are here to serve you. Deputies will work on community policing, and I will work with the Department of Wildlife. I will have all vehicle suited out to be an office with a computer and a printer while they are out being seen. My Undersheriff, who I haven’t chosen, are in agreement with me, they will only spend the time in the office they need to be,” Pena answered.
In closing, Pena said, “Just so you know, being a Washington County citizen, I’ve come to love this county. I plan on, if not elected, talking with the new Sheriff to offer help with training utilizing my military training. I appreciate you, thank you very much.”
“I want to thank all of you. This has been an experience that I thought I knew what I was getting into, but I had no clue. But what I was reminded of was how great the people in this county truly are. This has been incredible. I want to be your Sheriff. I know that sounds self-serving, but I truly believe that I am the best candidate for this position, I believe in the law enforcement here in Washington County and I believe I am the person to give that to us,” Furrow finished.
The Commissioner candidates were next to the stage. Jefferson introduced herself, expressing her interest in community organization, government and politics for over 25 years. County road maintenance is a critical infrastructure of our county and deserves our highest priority.
For Kennedy, much of his decisions are based on his strong Christian faith. First and foremost, he would like to better our roads. Being an intricate part on building a relationship with county-wide leaders is key. Health care is another important one, and has the opportunity to introduce a health care for those who need home health services and home health mental services. Another thing strong on his mind is preserving our Western heritage and Western way of life, while trying to develop economy.
“A few weeks ago, Washington County Commissioners unveiled a proposed multi-use indoor arena for the Washington County fairgrounds. This is projected to cost between $8-$16 million. What are your thoughts on this property addition, including the pros and cons for county residents? The plans also include a restaurant. What are your thoughts about county tax-funded restaurants competing with the local privately owned restaurants?” was the first question to the Commissioner candidates.
“The Washington County fairgrounds are in need of an indoor a year-round multi-purpose facility. The concept has been kicked around for a few years, and the closest we’ve come is when the John Holtorf Memorial Fund was fairly new. The wooden beef barn continues to age, but is a sentimental piece of the Washington County history; the open-sided sheep and pig barns don’t provide for many year-round uses; and the tin horse barn is being used for storage, thus not available for other uses. The proposed indoor arena concept served to ignite some discussion again. The proposed arena was somewhat extravagant, and placement did raise some questions and concerns. By comparison, the most recent indoor arena multi-purpose building on county fairgrounds is in Holyoke, built in 2018-2019 at a cost of $2.3 million. In the three years to date, they have only rented the facility a couple times a month, with the meeting room being used more than the indoor arena. Their annual maintenance costs are about $34,000 per year, and I don’t believe they are generating enough income yet to be self-sustaining. If this is determined to be a priority for our county, a special committee should be recruited to commit time and effort to this project,” Jefferson said.
Kennedy followed. “Here are some pros. It is my opinion that the arena fits the very ideal of Washington County as an agricultural ranching community. With word of the proposed arena being shared with many of our Colorado communities, many have come forward in support of the idea and expressed interest in using the facility. I want to be clear that if this were a county taxpayer restaurant ran by the county, I am not in support of this. It needs to be a facility build by a county, and the restaurant would be rented out to someone in the community and have their own business in the facility. It was not meant to be a facility ran by the county.”
The next question read as follows: “The basic organization of Colorado counties is the same, with the exception for home rule counties, four of which are Pitkin, Weld, Broomfield and Denver. We have watched as these counties have stood against the overregulation passed down by the state. Discuss your thoughts of Washington County becoming a home rural county.”
“You talk about a big issue here that requires a lot of information,” Kennedy began. “As I took the time to research, I was enticed about the nature of what home rule stands for.Small government, put in the hands of the people, just like it was supposed to be. Obviously, things have changed over the decades. I am not opposed to looking deeper into ability of Washington County to become a home rule county. I think Weld County is a great example of what a home rule county can be, like does Washington County have the financial resources to be able to support it? It will take a mountain of research and resources to achieve, but it is something to look into and is possible.”
Jefferson followed. “Weld County used their home rule during the statewide Covid mandates, allowing them to have separate guidelines by having their own health department. Douglas County is currently considering home rule. In my mind, this idea needs to be explored, as it could have huge implications for Washington County. It bears some consideration to think long and hard about home rule and what the benefits could be.”
“Agriculture is the second largest industry in the state of Colorado and the lifeblood of Washington County. How do you plan on protecting our industry, and what will you do to support and develop our industry and our people?” was next up to the two candidates.
“Approximately 85 percent of our total land in Washington County is dedicated to farming and ranching,” Jefferson said. “Long-term objectives in the county master plan written in 2002 include: maintain and enhance the environmental quality of the agricultural areas; to preserve the long-term agricultural production of the county; to delineate between and among agricultural operations of different sizes and scopes; and to protect the visual and other perceptual amenities of our county’s agricultural areas. Land uses which maintain and support the high environmental amenity values of our agricultural areas should be encouraged. We should honor this master plan. Washington County needs to continue to support agricultural research.”
“Don’t be mistaken, we are under attack. Landowner rights have to be protected to the core. I will be the commissioner that will work to shut down unnecessary complaints and requests for unnecessary rules placed on our citizens in the agricultural world. Water rights are just as important as your property rights. It is in the process of talks that a reservoir might be built northwest of Akron. Our leadership will need to be very astute to the legal rights and the securement of rights of that land and that water,” Kennedy said.
This question followed, “What is your vision for economic development in Washington County, how would you lead the county toward your vision and what is your experience with strategic planning?”
Kennedy answered first. “Washington County requires economic development. We have to find a way for our awesome, intelligent children to make a home here. One way is to develop more revenue into the county, in a way that coincided with the agricultural and ranching community. A team, or ‘think tank’, or individuals from throughout the county can meet and discuss new project or ideas to help their particular areas. Not a day goes by in my career that I have not been involved in strategic planning.”
“There are two spools of thought for economic development: one is to build on your local assets and the second is to recruit new business or industry from outside your area. I lean pretty heavily toward that first model. The current shortage of housing and other community amenities make it challenging to attract families and businesses. Making high speed internet accessible throughout the county to allow and encourage more remote employment options and online businesses, as well as improving function to our local brick and mortar businesses. An indoor arena or multi-use property on the fairgrounds property fits into this model of economic development, with proper planning, research and competitive analysis or determine a more realistic plan for such a facility for year-round use. Strategic planning takes a real commitment from all vested individuals,” Jefferson added.
In closing, Jefferson said, “We are sorely in need of bringing pay scale back to standard that fits within our county budget. My biggest strength is living and working in Washington County for 40+ years and building relationships with people in this county, as well as neighboring counties. The contacts I have made and developed through work and life and years of volunteer service will continue to serve me as I face new challenges if elected to serve as County Commissioners. I believe in teamwork and believe we can accomplish great things if we work together.”
“I appreciate the time to come out and see all of you and meet some of you. I want to let you know I am here for you as a humble servant. My plan is to continue to do the best I can for the county, and as my current position as IT Director for the county. I am serving you and I am very openif anyone wants to come speak to me. We should choose the candidate that fits the beliefs we have,” Kennedy finished.
Holtorf was unable to attend in-person due to being at a highway dedication ceremony to dedicate the life of Private Joe P. Martinez.
Over video conference, Holtorf explained that hopes to return to the State Capitol to represent the seven counties of House District 63. He has outlined a comprehensive five-point plan to protect our students that he has shared with House leadership, and will stand up every day to protect the rural way of life.
During his time on the stand, Vance said he started his political interest by attending town board meetings and eventually became the Mayor of Eckley and Yuma County GOP Chairman. Vance added he will be able to stand up for the ag, water and energy problems in northeast Colorado.
One question was, “Please tell us your education and job positions you’ve held, along with the time you spent holding each position. Also, discuss your business and budgeting experience along with any financial expertise that you could bring and how do you think your education and job experiences make you the best candidate for House District 63?”
Holtorf said, “I was a graduate of Akron High School in 1983 and later from Colorado State University. During my time overseas in the United States Army, I completed my MBA in Business Administration. After my initial tour of duty, I returned home to Buffalo Springs Ranch and joined the Colorado National Guard and continued to ranch, building a 3,000-head cattle feeding operation where I served as financial officer for Buffalo Springs Ranch and Holtorf Incorporated. I was quickly promoted to Major in the military, all while working on the ranch. After 9/11, I was recalled to active duty. In 2006, my step-father was diagnosed with cancer and I transferred back to reserve duty and I took over the ranch when my dad died – it was one of the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but I think I completed the transition flawlessly and we kept the family operation going as a multi-generation ranch. One of the problems we face is not only the politics, but when Republicans take over, they never make changes. I am one of those who will make change. I have run multi-million dollar budgets, run cattle feeding and all of these translate to legislative activities.”
Following, Vance answered, “I graduated from Yuma High School and am currently going through Liberty University online to study political science. Like many of us, I have worked since high school, working for retailers, sprinklers, ethanol plant and currently work in oil and gas. I really understand the energy industry. I have budget and financial experience, first as a town board member.I believe that it what would define me as the best candidate for your next representative.”
The next question to the candidates was, “Agricultural is the second largest industry in the state of Colorado and the lifeblood of Washington County. How do you plan on protecting our industry, and what will you do to support and develop our industry and our people?”
Vance was first to respond. “Agriculture is the lifeblood for all of northeast Colorado and it affects all of us. Without water, we would be sunk.I want to be able to push through and get things going with water that we almost had this last year. I want to be sure things with water are at least discussed on the House floor. If we take back the House and Senate, I want to seek out legislation to reverse the Ag Labor Bill and start moving us in a direction where we appreciate farmers instead of punishing them.”
“I love cattle ranching, farming and cattle feeding. Water is a lifeblood for production agriculture. Our ag economies are the heart of our communities. Upon return as the House District 63 Representative, I will be slated for a position of leadership, as all but one of our leadership positions is leaving due to vacancy and turnover. This will allow me to move into these positions to I can greater serve positively not only for Washington County, but for northeast Colorado, on the ag committee. I had an executive director and cabinet member this last legislative session in my office due to one of my bills because she knew her department had a problem and I had a solution,” Holtorf said.
In closing, Holtorf said, “I would like to point out that I have been endorsed by commissioners from Logan County to Las Animas County, present and past legislatures from all across Colorado and numerous other organizations. I stand up and fight for our communities in rural Colorado. There has been some question about my effectiveness. In 2020, I passed three bills as a freshman legislature. In 2021, I passed seven bills, one House resolution and one memorial.In 2022, I passed five bills, two short resolutions and one memorial.I’m a worker, I get things done. My leadership, experience and work ethic clearly show through my volumes of legislative accomplishments that I am your choice to return to serve in the 74th General Assembly.”
Vance was the final candidate to speak, saying, “I do have the endorsement through former Senator Greg Brophy and the Colorado Chamber of Commerce. When it comes to our industries, we have to have someone who is able to serve who has worked in each of those industries. I also volunteer firefight for the Eckley Volunteer Fire Department. Having a supportive family from the beginning has been my pushing point this entire race. No matter who it is in this position, we have to work together to make Colorado the wonderful place it is. We need someone elected you all deserve.”
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