County, Meeker, Rangely

Meet the state senate candidates seeking to represent Rio Blanco County

Editor’s note: What follows are two articles about the two candidates running for the state senate seat that will represent Rio Blanco County. Emily Tracy, Breckenridge (Summit County), is challenging incumbent State Senator Randy Baumgardner, R-Hot Sulphur Springs, in his bid for re-election to a second four-year term representing State Senate District 8, composed of seven counties: Garfield, Grand, Jackson, Moffat, Rio Blanco, Routt and Summit.

Tracy seeks non-partisan solutions
RBC | Tracy has been to Rio Blanco County several times this election season. She’s held meet and greets in both Rangely and Meeker, knocked on doors, experienced the unusual resonance of the Tank in Rangely and attended part of the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts’ “Natural Resource Tour—Northwest Colorado Water Needs” in August.
Tracy says that, “So much of what goes on at the Capitol results in partisan battles that don’t benefit anyone. Being married to a lifelong Republican,” she says, “has accustomed me to crossing party lines every day at home. Local issues facing the state are typically not partisan, or shouldn’t be, but they become so when the two parties make it about winning instead of about collaborating on well thought-out solutions.”
Tracy told voters that she is fiscally conservative, very supportive of the public school system, and the rights of local government. There’s definitely a place, particularly in this SD 8, for responsible energy development. “Too often,” she said, “government tries to invoke broad stroke rules that are made without consideration of local residents, businesses or economies.”
If elected, Tracy says she expects to look at problems objectively and not be unduly swayed by any political party “instructions,” but to work out practical solutions; to listen; to be collaborative, responsive and cooperative.
She feels strongly about the protection of Western Slope water for Western Slope use, keeping agriculture on the land, and working with government agencies to facilitate locally helpful management of public lands, economic development and tourism.
Tracy maintains her experience as an eight-year member of the Cañon City Town Council (before she moved to Breckenridge), working with the Summit County Chamber of Commerce, serving on legislative affairs committees, including Club 20, and on the Summit Co. Countywide Planning Commission (since 2006) put her in a good place to be effective as a state senator. “I am committed to being a strong voice and advocate for Senate District 8,” Tracy states.
Tracy is especially pleased to be endorsed this year by both of Baumgardner’s predecessors in the state senate, Sens. Al and Jean White, both R-Hayden, who argue Tracy will provide a moderate, thoughtful, and responsive approach to governing.
In their endorsement letter, the Whites wrote, “After years of non-partisan public service, Emily’s dedication to finding solutions is clear regardless of what side of the aisle someone sits on.”

Baumgardner urges party unity
RANGELY |vote_076_bw Colorado State Senator Randy Baumgardner held a meet and greet in Rangely in October where residents could ask questions that are foremost on their mind this election season. The questions posed to the senator varied from energy issues, the Wolf Creek Reservoir project, to gun control and education.
The senator expressed views that are consistent with conservative view points that serve as the foundation for Republican politics. Though he did state that the Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump holds views he did not necessarily agree with, he still supports Trump over Hillary Clinton. He feels that it is important for those with conservative values to support their own party.
I attended the meet and greet and then the next day Senator Baumgardner agreed to a one-on-one interview. He answered a few questions that are important to those living in Rangely and the surrounding area.
One of the most important issues to many residents of western Colorado is the issue of land and water conservancy. As a rancher, Sen. Baumgardner says he understands the issue and keenly feels the concerns of residents in and around Rangely. His efforts to conserve water even on the Front Range will help residents on the Western Slope keep and utilize our water and avoid diverting it to other areas of the state.
Another concern that Senator Baumgardner raised was economic development in Western Colorado. He feels that more needs to be done to preserve our small town way of life while helping the economy. The Wolf Creek Reservoir may be able to play an important part in the economy of Rangely. It’s important to bring people into the area for fun and recreation, which will help area businesses.
Another issue that Senator Baumgardner was eager to discuss was recent legislation that he signed raising the salaries of many government workers, many of whom had not seen a pay raise since 1998.
Senator Baumgardner will never see one dime of that pay raise because it is not set to take effect until 2019. This is after Senator Baumgardner will no longer be in office.
“It’s just a lie,” the senator said of negative ads that state he gave himself a pay raise, adding that these lies serve to distract the residents of Western Colorado from the more pressing issues that face the future of the Western Slope.
The senator visited Rangely several times in the past two weeks, attending a special work session for the reservoir project.

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  • Results are not guaranteed, unfortunately! Read all the Rio Happenings in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Pictured with awards from the Triple Crown Series (#3 and #4) from bottom left Hudson Hummel (4th and 2nd), Lee Kirkpatrick (3rd and 4th), Heath Bennet (2nd and 2nd), Sawyer Hummel (1st and 3rd), Eli Bennet (1st), David Murray (Coach), Auri Murray (2nd and 1st), Taylor Bain, and Dawn Arnold (2nd). Story online at ht1885.com.
  • Bailey is our first Marketing Mixology partner and we are excited to help her promote this fun event along with the Meeker Colorado Chamber of Commerce!

Bailey and Real Estate West will host the second annual Easter Egg Hunt March 25th-29th. Go follow her page so you don't miss any clues!
@bailey_waldref_rew 

💚💚💚

Marketing Mixology is a FREE promotion where we spotlight one lucky local business across print, digital, and social channels each month! 

#locallove #locallovespotlight #lovemeeker #marketingmixology #shoplocal #superchargeyourmarketing
  • More freudenfreude, less schadenfreude… Hear from our Editor in her column this week online at ht1885.com.
  • 🍀 Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Herald Times! 🍀 According to the Census Bureau, over 31 million people - or 9.5%! - in America claim Irish ancestry! Everyone have a safe and fun Patty's Day celebrating your Irishness, real or honorary!
  • The Cowboys played in their first golf tournament in the spring at Chipeta, “it was a bit of a cloudy and windy day but it was awesome to see some grass and a golf course,” commented head coach Amanda Back. Vivian Brown, pictured on the left, broke 100 and shot a 94 and Jayda May second from right shot a 99. From the far right, excluding those that have been mentioned, Averee Woodward, Joelle Soler, Mia Pinzon, Aurora Stalling, and Kailynn Watson all played scramble. This was Pinzon’s, Stalling’s and Watson’s first tournament as Meeker High School girl golfers. “It’s going to be a great season,” ended Back.
  • Mountain Sage Therapeutics held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 640 Main St. in Meeker. Owners Teresa Wilde and Justin Noller offer movement, energy, and massage therapy for animals and their human companions. They are pictured here with the Chamber of Commerce and local citizens who attended. View their service on their website at www.mountainsagetherapeutics.abmp.com and contact them for an appointment 970-706-8445.
  • Members of the Rio Blanco Golf Association got a jump on spring this past week as volunteers shoveled and blew the snow off the greens. The winter’s snow and ice layers suffocate the fragile bent grass putting surfaces and getting the snow off allows Mother Nature to start her healing process earlier.
“For 50 years I’ve waited to see Meeker’s greens come out this nice,” said Jim Cook, who is returning to help at the course.” Hats off to Hunter and Matt Fellows who did an excellent job applying the snow mold preventative last fall which has made all the difference this year.”
Board members and volunteers are very hopeful that this will be a turnaround year for the local 9-hole course which plans an early April opening, weather permitting.
  • The 2024 Colorado State Champions hosted their annual awards banquet Sunday. Head Coach JC Watt and Assistant Coach Carl Padilla commented on this year’s team’s success as a product of work in the room, dedication by wrestlers and coaches, and a champion mentality. Read the story online at ht1885.com.
Results are not guaranteed, unfortunately! Read all the Rio Happenings in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Results are not guaranteed, unfortunately! Read all the Rio Happenings in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
14 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
Pictured with awards from the Triple Crown Series (#3 and #4) from bottom left Hudson Hummel (4th and 2nd), Lee Kirkpatrick (3rd and 4th), Heath Bennet (2nd and 2nd), Sawyer Hummel (1st and 3rd), Eli Bennet (1st), David Murray (Coach), Auri Murray (2nd and 1st), Taylor Bain, and Dawn Arnold (2nd). Story online at ht1885.com.
Pictured with awards from the Triple Crown Series (#3 and #4) from bottom left Hudson Hummel (4th and 2nd), Lee Kirkpatrick (3rd and 4th), Heath Bennet (2nd and 2nd), Sawyer Hummel (1st and 3rd), Eli Bennet (1st), David Murray (Coach), Auri Murray (2nd and 1st), Taylor Bain, and Dawn Arnold (2nd). Story online at ht1885.com.
15 hours ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
Bailey is our first Marketing Mixology partner and we are excited to help her promote this fun event along with the Meeker Colorado Chamber of Commerce!

Bailey and Real Estate West will host the second annual Easter Egg Hunt March 25th-29th. Go follow her page so you don't miss any clues!
@bailey_waldref_rew 

💚💚💚

Marketing Mixology is a FREE promotion where we spotlight one lucky local business across print, digital, and social channels each month! 

#locallove #locallovespotlight #lovemeeker #marketingmixology #shoplocal #superchargeyourmarketing
Bailey is our first Marketing Mixology partner and we are excited to help her promote this fun event along with the Meeker Colorado Chamber of Commerce! Bailey and Real Estate West will host the second annual Easter Egg Hunt March 25th-29th. Go follow her page so you don't miss any clues! @bailey_waldref_rew 💚💚💚 Marketing Mixology is a FREE promotion where we spotlight one lucky local business across print, digital, and social channels each month! #locallove #locallovespotlight #lovemeeker #marketingmixology #shoplocal #superchargeyourmarketing
18 hours ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
More freudenfreude, less schadenfreude… Hear from our Editor in her column this week online at ht1885.com.
More freudenfreude, less schadenfreude… Hear from our Editor in her column this week online at ht1885.com.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
🍀 Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Herald Times! 🍀 According to the Census Bureau, over 31 million people - or 9.5%! - in America claim Irish ancestry! Everyone have a safe and fun Patty's Day celebrating your Irishness, real or honorary!
🍀 Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Herald Times! 🍀 According to the Census Bureau, over 31 million people - or 9.5%! - in America claim Irish ancestry! Everyone have a safe and fun Patty's Day celebrating your Irishness, real or honorary!
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
The Cowboys played in their first golf tournament in the spring at Chipeta, “it was a bit of a cloudy and windy day but it was awesome to see some grass and a golf course,” commented head coach Amanda Back. Vivian Brown, pictured on the left, broke 100 and shot a 94 and Jayda May second from right shot a 99. From the far right, excluding those that have been mentioned, Averee Woodward, Joelle Soler, Mia Pinzon, Aurora Stalling, and Kailynn Watson all played scramble. This was Pinzon’s, Stalling’s and Watson’s first tournament as Meeker High School girl golfers. “It’s going to be a great season,” ended Back.
The Cowboys played in their first golf tournament in the spring at Chipeta, “it was a bit of a cloudy and windy day but it was awesome to see some grass and a golf course,” commented head coach Amanda Back. Vivian Brown, pictured on the left, broke 100 and shot a 94 and Jayda May second from right shot a 99. From the far right, excluding those that have been mentioned, Averee Woodward, Joelle Soler, Mia Pinzon, Aurora Stalling, and Kailynn Watson all played scramble. This was Pinzon’s, Stalling’s and Watson’s first tournament as Meeker High School girl golfers. “It’s going to be a great season,” ended Back.
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Mountain Sage Therapeutics held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 640 Main St. in Meeker. Owners Teresa Wilde and Justin Noller offer movement, energy, and massage therapy for animals and their human companions. They are pictured here with the Chamber of Commerce and local citizens who attended. View their service on their website at www.mountainsagetherapeutics.abmp.com and contact them for an appointment 970-706-8445.
Mountain Sage Therapeutics held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 640 Main St. in Meeker. Owners Teresa Wilde and Justin Noller offer movement, energy, and massage therapy for animals and their human companions. They are pictured here with the Chamber of Commerce and local citizens who attended. View their service on their website at www.mountainsagetherapeutics.abmp.com and contact them for an appointment 970-706-8445.
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
Members of the Rio Blanco Golf Association got a jump on spring this past week as volunteers shoveled and blew the snow off the greens. The winter’s snow and ice layers suffocate the fragile bent grass putting surfaces and getting the snow off allows Mother Nature to start her healing process earlier.
“For 50 years I’ve waited to see Meeker’s greens come out this nice,” said Jim Cook, who is returning to help at the course.” Hats off to Hunter and Matt Fellows who did an excellent job applying the snow mold preventative last fall which has made all the difference this year.”
Board members and volunteers are very hopeful that this will be a turnaround year for the local 9-hole course which plans an early April opening, weather permitting.
Members of the Rio Blanco Golf Association got a jump on spring this past week as volunteers shoveled and blew the snow off the greens. The winter’s snow and ice layers suffocate the fragile bent grass putting surfaces and getting the snow off allows Mother Nature to start her healing process earlier. “For 50 years I’ve waited to see Meeker’s greens come out this nice,” said Jim Cook, who is returning to help at the course.” Hats off to Hunter and Matt Fellows who did an excellent job applying the snow mold preventative last fall which has made all the difference this year.” Board members and volunteers are very hopeful that this will be a turnaround year for the local 9-hole course which plans an early April opening, weather permitting.
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
The 2024 Colorado State Champions hosted their annual awards banquet Sunday. Head Coach JC Watt and Assistant Coach Carl Padilla commented on this year’s team’s success as a product of work in the room, dedication by wrestlers and coaches, and a champion mentality. Read the story online at ht1885.com.
The 2024 Colorado State Champions hosted their annual awards banquet Sunday. Head Coach JC Watt and Assistant Coach Carl Padilla commented on this year’s team’s success as a product of work in the room, dedication by wrestlers and coaches, and a champion mentality. Read the story online at ht1885.com.
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
9/9

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