Nine candidates vie for elected offices in Rangely

RANGELY I “It’s exciting to have this happen,” said current Town of Rangely trustee and candidate for reelection Brad Casto. Casto thanked his six fellow candidates and the large crowd that filled council chambers last Wednesday.
“When I first got on the town council four years ago, I was appointed, because no one else ran,” Casto said.
Seven candidates for three council seats and two mayoral candidates for the mail ballot April 3 election participated in a forum attended by approximately 100 people and televised on the local TV channel.
Casto, Joseph Nielsen, Dave Way, John Perry, Dan Eddy, Darlene Feller and Rene Diane Harden are all running for three available candidate seats: Casto’s, Brent Shroyer’s and Frank Huitt’s seats. Huitt is running for mayor against incumbent Paula Davis.
Candidates were given two minutes to introduce themselves and tell why they are running for office. All were given scripted questions days before the forum. Members of the audience were given the opportunity to write down questions and a few of them were also answered by the candidates.
“I want to make it a level playing field,” said Davis, who works for the department of social services. “I care about the town and the people and love the community, bringing people together.”
Huitt said the council had “accomplished a lot” in his eight years as a councilman and “I want to be fair and move the town forward,” encouraging people to “please vote.”
Nielsen, a Chevron employee, said he wants to “move out of my comfort zone” and get involved. “I always listen, I have a strong internal compass, believe in simplicity and would like to be a representative of you.”
Way said he was not a politician but that it was his turn. “It’s time to pass the torch and get some new faces. I want to represent the people of Rangely, it’s my turn to do some good,” said Way, who works for the local water conservancy district.
Local business owner John Perry is also on the ballot as a candidate for trustee. “The town of Rangely has been good to me, with many opportunities and I want to give back,” Perry said. “The town has a lot to offer and I would work hard for the people of Rangely.”
Former trustee Dan Eddy is running for a seat again. The third generation native said, “The three basic things I bring to the table are fairness and equal access, economic development and fiscal responsibility. I would represent you fairly and equally,” Eddy said in his closing statement.
“I love this community,” said Darlene Feller, president of the local food bank. “I would like to see more people move to town and create more jobs. I won’t lie and I will work hard for you.”
René Diane Hardin, a X-ray technician, said she, too, is a hard worker and loves the town.
“I fell in love with the town and how you treated your elderly people, I’ve always felt welcome,” Hardin said. “It time for a change and I wanted to get involved in my community. I want to know why decisions are made and be involved in the decision making process.”
Ballots have been mailed and can be returned by mail or dropped off at Town Hall by April 3.