Commissioners’ reception

RBC I A reception for outgoing Rio Blanco County commissioners Ken Parson and Kai Turner was held Monday, the day before commissioners-elect Jon Hill and Jeff Eskelson were sworn in by RBC Clerk Nancy Amick.
“There’s never been a dull moment,” Parsons said, commenting on his eight years of service. “We went through a big boom and we are still coming out of the bust, so I’ve been in on the ups and downs but it has been a good experience. I have a much better understanding of how our county works and honestly it has been a pleasure getting to better know the great bunch of people that work and serve our county. I appreciate the opportunity.”
Turner was also appreciative and thankful for the opportunity to serve his county.
“This is one of the better experiences in my life and a great learning opportunity,” Turner said. “It was my privilege to serve and work with a lot of quality people. Hopefully I was able to provide some direction and philosophy but there were a lot of people doing the work and I’m thankful to them.”
Several people thanked Parsons and Turner for their service, including Rangely Town Manager Peter Brixius, BLM White River Field Manager Kent Walter, RBC Assessor Renae Neilson and RBC Road and Bridge Manager Dave Morlan. Amick thanked Parsons and Turner for the “integrity” they both brought to the office and for “putting people first.”
When asked what he would do now, Parsons said, “I’m retired, man! I plan to grow some grapes and travel some. Eight years ago, I had no grandkids, now I have three, so I plan to spend some time with them, too.”
“I plan to fish and hunt and do what I did before,” Turner, a licensed guide and outfitter, said of his future plans. “It was never about a job, I wanted to do the right thing for Rio Blanco County because I love it here.”
Newly sworn-in commissioners Hill and Eskelson mentioned being nervous but said they are looking forward to serving Rio Blanco County.
“I started building up nerves yesterday when they had the reception for Ken and Kai,” Hill said after being sworn in Tuesday. “I’m looking forward to the next four years and taking care of the county.”
Eskelson said the two will join 68 other new commissioners in the state for training at CCI (Colorado Counties Inc.) in Denver.
“I’m humbled and a little nervous but in the end, I’m glad I did it,” Eskelson said of running for office.