RBC I Jon Hill and Jeff Eskelson’s names will appear on top of the ballot as the two received the most delegates’ votes in the two races for Rio Blanco County commissioner at the 2012 RBC Republican General Assembly held last Saturday in the Colorado Room on the CNCC campus.
Hill is running to replace two-term commissioner Ken Parson and is being challenged by Christine Brasfield. Of the 51 republican delegates, 42 voted to support Hill, giving nine votes to Brasfield.
“I was real surprised,” Hill said of the results. “I felt I could get on the ballot but was not expecting this. I’m ready to get after it and go to work.”
Eskelson, who is challenging incumbent Kai Turner, received 28 delegate votes and Turner received 23.
“This is all new in my world but I’m glad to be involved,” Eskelson said.
Hill was nominated by Peggy Rector who spoke of his current and past involvement with the Cattleman’s Association, Columbine Park, the planning commission, BLM resource advisory committee and the White/Yampa river basin roundtables, as well as his contacts in the energy industry.
Parson seconded Hill’s nomination saying, “Jon is a man who listens carefully.”
Brasfield was introduced by John Sims who worked with Brasfield during elections and on the planning commission.
“Christine is knowledgeable, honest and hardworking,” Sims said. “She wants our county to grow, not dwindle, and is open to new ideas. She is knowledgeable with budgets and is fiscally responsible.”
Brasfield said she wanted to use her 14 years of experience as the Rangely Town Clerk to improve the county.
“My goals are to improve the communications between the towns and county, provide equitable service and work on the retention and development or our work force,” Brasfield said. “I want us to work together to serve you.”
After the vote, Brasfield said she would petition to get on the ballot.
“I am doing the petition process because I believe the voters have the right to choose and this is a goal of mine,” Brasfield said.
Eskelson was nominated by Wade Bradfield, who said he got involved because rules and regulations affected him and he believed Eskelson would bring in some “fresh ideas.”
“I have a passion for economic development,” said Eskelson, an engineer and business owner. “I think we have forgotten who are customers are.”
Eskelson’s nomination was seconded by Doug Overton who said, “Competition is good.”
Turner was nominated by Ben Rogers who said, “Kai truly cares about this county and its constituents.”
“Kai has represented us well on the state and federal level and puts in a lot of time for Rio Blanco County, trying to make everything come together,” Rogers said.
Turner said he was born in Rangely, grew up in Meeker and has a diversified background.
“I’ve learned a great deal about all I possibly can in the last four years,” Turner said. “We commissioners divide up the duties and I have focused on agriculture, public lands and water issues. In these uncertain times, it’s easy to look backward. We have to learn from the past and move forward.”
After the vote Turner said he would continue forward.
“I think I have the experience, leadership and stability to move Rio Blanco County forward but we have a lot of work to do,” Turner said.
Brasfield and Turner’s nominations were both seconded by Mike Morgan, who said he had and enjoyed working with both candidates.
Republican candidates for Senatorial District 8, including current Colorado Senator Jean White and current representative Randy Baumgardner also gave short speeches at the general assembly, as did candidates Bob Rankin and Ron Roesener for House District 57.
Anthony Mazzola endorsed current District Attorney Martin Beeson, who did not attend, and Peggy Rector read a resolution recognizing the vision of Colorado Northwestern Community College, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
RBC Republican chairman David Smith announced Scott Tipton would be in Rangely later in the day. Smith thanked all those running for office.
“It takes a lot of gumption to step up and run for office,” Smith said.
