Meeker mayor and business owner Travis Day, Meeker pastor and business owner Rich Ford vying for Republican primary ballot; county assembly is Saturday
Special to the HT
MEEKER | Travis Day is running for the Rio Blanco Commissioner District 1 position. He has a long history of public service at the town, county, and state levels. Personal experience includes: Rio Blanco Planning Commission (22 years), Meeker Sanitation District (19 years), Town of Meeker (board of trustees for nine years, mayor for two years), YWG/Yampa-White-Green Rivers Basin Round Table (eight years), White River Planning and Advisory Council (five years), White River Return Flow Study (three years), and Colorado Water Well Contactors Association (20 years, also served as president). He is the current liaison between the Division of Water Resources Board of Examiners and Water Well Contractors/Home Owners.
As Mayor of Meeker, Day took an active role in the 2025 Lee Fire. He represented Meeker at interagency management meetings determining evacuation plans, ensuring that Meeker was prepared to supply needed water, setup backup generators, and more. Day already had a deep appreciation for interagency coordination and the Lee Fire enforced the importance of continued commitment to expand this type of coordinated effort.
Day is experienced in facilitating meetings and is known for his transparency and ability allow everyone’s voice to be heard while conducting business in an efficient manner. He has been part of many entities.
As a commissioner one of his top priorities will be to create an environment where these entities and people of both Rangely and Meeker coordinate to enhance the economy of Rio Blanco.
Water will be one of Day’s main focuses. He plans to utilize his years of experience handling water right issues and regulations to maintain and preserve water. He would also like to brainstorm and strategize how to best handle critical water issues and needs.
He is a longtime business owner with extensive knowledge of local and state water regulations.
He is part of a multigenerational family in Rio Blanco County and is heavily invested in the future. The newest member of the family is just over six months old.
Charlie, Travis’ son, plans to handle management of the family business to allow Travis time to fully focus on his commitment to the commissioner position.
Special to the HT
MEEKER | For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Richard Ford. Many of you know me as Pastor Ford, and I’m running for county commissioner, District 1. I would like to take this opportunity to share with you a few things that I feel are important.
For me, personally, “God, family, country.” In that order.
Putting God first holds me accountable to campaign commitments, keeps me humble, and reminds me all decisions should be just and not self-seeking.
Family — I believe a man’s ability to manage his family is a true indicator of his capacity to lead others. I believe building strong families that embody the values of integrity, hard work, and community contribution is a gift to our society and necessary for a sustainable future. Strong families equals strong communities.
I believe our country is the greatest on earth, and this little sliver we call Rio Blanco County is the best part of that. We may be a little different, or as they say on the west side of our county, “Way out of Ordinary,” that’s what makes us special.
There will be many challenges our county will face in the coming years, both seen and unseen:
Water — affects us all. Not just agriculture and industry. Without a reliable water source every property will be subject to devaluation, and will have a lasting negative impact on future generations. Water is life! We must protect our water!
Fiscal Responsibility – Commissioners should strive to keep government small, and efficient, maintaining a balanced budget; providing necessary services, with less monetary contributions from the citizens, in other words, less taxes.
Unity – We all know the phrase “united we stand; divided we fall.” I believe that has never been more true than it is right now for rural Colorado. Unity doesn’t mean being the same; it means moving in the same direction. In our county that direction is often toward independence, stewardship of land and revenue, and looking out for our neighbors. We must work together to find common ground and present a united front to combat the destructive policies and unfunded mandates being imposed by the state. The “united we stand” approach is the only way to get the State Capitol to listen. When a county speaks with a single, clear voice—backed by data and local agreement—it becomes much harder for Denver to ignore.
A question on all of your minds right now, is probably, can I handle this enormous amount of responsibility?
Personally, I believe my life experience has uniquely qualified me for this position.
First, as a business owner. With over 30 years’ experience in the automotive world, I understand the complexities of managing finance, personnel, and government regulation. Achieving success even during uncertain economic times. As a local restaurant owner, the ability to improvise, adapt, and overcome. The feeding of nearly 6,000 meals with a day’s notice, and limited staff during the recent wildfires being just one of the examples of my commitment to the community and my ability to lead during a crisis.
I believe in visionary leadership that actually delivers. When Meeker’s families and businesses struggled with a lack of childcare, we stepped up to fill the gap. By founding a successful daycare and early learning center, we created a sustainable solution for our working parents without ever asking the taxpayers to foot the bill.
Second, as an ag producer. I have personally faced the challenges of drought, predation, and fires. As an irrigator and water shareholder, I understand the direct impact that water has on my ability to produce income and sustain my properties’ value. As an avid fisherman, I can personally appreciate its recreational value as well.
As a family man and a father of 12 children (don’t worry, there’s only seven left at home), I have vast experience dealing with “inter-personal conflicts.”
On a serious note, the manner in which my family grew from four children to 12, demonstrates my willingness to do hard things, and my commitment to protect and provide for the most vulnerable.
Lastly, my years as a Pastor have taught me the true value of being a servant leader. In our faith and in our fields, leadership isn’t about holding power over others—it’s about shouldering the burdens of the community. A servant leader doesn’t stand above the people; they stand with them, listening first and acting second. As we face the challenges coming from the state, I am committed to leading not for my own sake, but as a steward of our shared values and a servant to every citizen in this county.
In the upcoming days, no matter who you choose as your next commissioner, just remember, we are better together!
