Endorsement of Travis Day for RBC Commissioner
Dear Editor:
Larry and I are pleased to offer our wholehearted endorsement of Travis Day for Rio Blanco County Commissioner.
We have known Travis for more than 20 years and have had the privilege of working alongside him in Colorado’s water well industry. During that time, we have come to know him as a man of integrity, strong character, and unwavering dedication to the people and communities he serves.
One of the clearest examples of Travis’s leadership was his service as President of the Colorado Water Well Contractors Association. In that role, he was an outstanding advocate for our industry, working tirelessly to represent contractors, protect Colorado’s water resources, and promote responsible policies that benefited both our profession and the citizens we serve. He consistently demonstrated professionalism, fairness, and a willingness to address difficult issues with thoughtful leadership and common sense.
What we admire most about Travis is his ability to bring people together, listen to differing viewpoints, and make decisions based on principle rather than politics. He understands the challenges facing rural communities because he has spent his career working alongside the people who live and work in them. His practical experience, sound judgment, and commitment to public service make him exceptionally qualified to serve as Rio Blanco County Commissioner.
As business owners, we value leaders who are accountable, hardworking, and willing to put the interests of their communities first. Travis has consistently demonstrated those qualities throughout the many years we have known him. He has earned the respect of his peers, the trust of those he serves, and a reputation for doing what is right even when it is not easy.
Rio Blanco County would be well served by Travis Day’s leadership, experience, and dedication. He has earned our trust and respect, and we are proud to give him our full endorsement for County Commissioner.
Sincerely,
Larry and Cathy Finney
Owners
Finney Drilling & Excavating, Inc. Cañon City, Colorado
Why I’m the right choice: Rich Ford
Dear Editor:
“Speech is the primary tool for shaping society and human connection; it bridges minds, drives change, and gives clarity to thought.” — Author Unknown
Rio Blanco County needs an effective communicator—someone who can clearly communicate in person, in public, and on paper. I have had a consistent message throughout this campaign, and my presentation has been consistent in all three of these areas from the very beginning.
Starting at the Caucus, I showed up prepared. I believe that is why I received 29 votes out of 49 delegates, and earned the respect and trust of 37 of those delegates to represent our county as a state delegate. That standard of preparation, reliability, and clear communication is exactly what I will bring to the office of County Commissioner.
Do Your Research
With several state and local elections on the line, I encourage you all to read the candidates’ Caucus speeches, their Assembly speeches (you can find mine at www.ford4rbc.com/blog), read their posts, and review the in-person public forums. Are their answers consistent? Is their speech consistent? Does their online presentation reflect their in-person presentation? Or is it obvious that someone, or something (AI), is posting for them?
Why This Matters
When you elect a County Commissioner, you are hiring them to speak for you. They are your voice. You can’t take your consultant to the house floor or committee meeting to speak for you.
Leadership shouldn’t keep you guessing. When a leader is consistent, the community gains stability. When a leader communicates transparently, the community gains trust. For a leader to gain influence and be persuasive, their speech must be factual, passionate, and convincing.
The Ballots Are Out—Your Voice is Your Power
The ballots have officially arrived in your mailbox, and now the choice belongs to you.
Voting is your investment in our community. It’s how you protect what makes this county great.
Please don’t let your ballot sit on the counter. Fill it out, make your voice heard, and vote for a prepared, consistent, and communicative future.
Vote Richard Ford for Rio Blanco County Commissioner.
Rich Ford
Candidate for RBC Commissioner
Gould announces candidacy for RBC Assessor’s Office
Dear Editor:
I am writing to announce my candidacy for Rio Blanco County Assessor and to ask for the support of the voters as a write-in candidate in the November general election.
Our Assessor’s Office plays a vital role in ensuring that property valuations are fair, accurate, and conducted with transparency and integrity. I have worked in the Assessor’s office for 12 years, I have my Ad Valorem license and am working on my Licensed Appraiser license. I am also deputized and I believe my experience and education has prepared me for the Assessor position.
I am seeking this office because I believe my commitment to public service and accountability to the citizens of Rio Blanco will serve our county well. If elected, I will work to ensure that all taxpayers are treated fairly, that assessment processes remain transparent, and that the office continues to provide a responsive and professional service to the public.
As Assessor, I will focus on maintaining accurate property records, following state laws and statutes, and making information accessible and understandable for property owners. I believe the Assessor’s office does this well and I welcome the opportunity to build on the strong foundation and leadership currently in place.
I am honored to offer my candidacy and would appreciate the opportunity to earn your vote. I am excited about the opportunity to serve Rio Blanco County.
Thank you for your consideration and support.
Sincerely,
Stacey Gould
Candidate for RBC Assessor
Gould announces candidacy for RBC Assessor’s Office
Dear Editor:
The people of Meeker have spoken and elected two additional representatives to the Board of Directors of Pioneers Medical Center.
I am very grateful and thank the voters for putting me on the Board. I thank all voters and candidates for participating in this past election. Thank you to the election judges and Natalie Scritchfield at PMC. The freedom to choose our representation is central to life in America.
I already participated in one Board meeting, and I am clearly committed to serve with energy, vision and integrity. I will seek the facts and the truth. I will listen to the
members of the community, the CEO, the medical staff and all employees. I will be guided by the rules and laws governing the work of the Board of Directors of the Eastern Rio Blanco Health District.
I am very proud of Meeker’s accomplishment taking the Pioneers Hospital from 1951 to the Pioneers Medical Center of 2026. Our Pioneer spirit is alive and well as we provide qualified and compassionate care for the community and now also have become a well-known and respected center of excellence with the “Colorado Advanced Orthopedic Care.”
The positive economic impacts of PMC’s business activities are significant and an economic motor for the community and county.
The future for PMC looks bright with two fellowship trained joint replacement specialists in the community and several highly qualified orthopedic surgeons visiting Meeker at regular intervals. There is growth of services in the immediate and long-term future. Staying focused on efficiency and prudent use of resources will support PMC’s ongoing growth.
My personal goals are to see ongoing health care access for all with affordability being a real challenge. I want to see a strong primary care Family Medicine organization providing for long term relationships, relationship-based health education and prevention. I would like to see ongoing access to vaccines with a culture of sharing facts leading to informed decisions. Vaccines save lives.
I would also like to see ongoing strong involvement in encouraging and facilitating careers in health care by supporting local programs in health science. We need to continue our longstanding commitment of growing our own, allowing our youngsters to dream about staying and working in their home town.
In closing, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Board, being allowed to be one of many in Meeker making our PMC dream possible.
Sincerely,
Albert Krueger, MD
Improvements coming to the town’s water billing system
Dear Editor:
I would like to share information with the community regarding an important upcoming improvement to the Town’s water services. The Town of Meeker is currently implementing a new water billing software system that will provide customers (NOT including bulk water customers) with enhanced account management tools and expanded payment options. Water rates are NOT changing during this process, and payments will still also be accepted at Town Hall.
Customers will notice a new look to their monthly statement when the updated system goes live during billing at the end of June 2026. These new bills will give customers additional payment options and the opportunity to create secure online accounts where they can view information, monitor activity, update contact details, enroll in paperless billing, and save automatic payment methods.
This upgrade is intended to improve convenience, efficiency, and service for our customers. The new system will offer customers greater flexibility in how they access and manage their water accounts while helping streamline billing services for the Town.
We appreciate the community’s patience and support during this transition and look forward to providing these improved services. As we complete the implementation of the new billing software, customers should be aware that the first bills generated under the new system may be issued later than usual. Please do not hesitate to contact us at Town Hall or by phone at 878-5344 with any questions regarding this transition. We are happy to help in any way we can.
Sincerely,
Jessica Perkins
Town of Meeker
Water Clerk
