Faith and service
Dear Editor:
As I’ve been out meeting people the last couple of weeks, there have been several questions that I’ve been asked. I’d like to answer one of those right now, and will continue to answer more in the coming weeks.
The first question, “Can you leave your faith at the door?” It is a suggestion that to work in government, one must compartmentalize their deepest convictions, setting aside the very values that define them.
Today, I want to be clear and transparent with you: I will not leave my faith at the door.
Perhaps if more politicians practiced on Monday what they preached on Sunday our nation wouldn’t be in the peril it’s in. Our forefathers understood the importance of electing moral leadership. As John Adams once said:
“Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”
I believe that true leadership requires integrity, and integrity means being the same person in private that you are in public. My faith is not a coat I take off when I enter a meeting or a campaign event; it is the foundation of my character. It is the source of my commitment to hard work, my dedication to family and devotion to community.
When it comes to protecting our water rights, ensuring our children have a future here, or managing our county’s resources, I will do so through a lens of service and responsibility. To set my faith aside would be to set aside the moral compass that directs me to be honest, fair, and compassionate toward every person in this county.
This isn’t just a philosophy; it is how I have done business for over 30 years.
Throughout my experience as a pastor and as a business owner, I have learned that traits such as patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, honesty, and impartiality shouldn’t just be the attributes of a pastor, they should be the hallmark of every public servant. My faith has provided the ethical framework that allowed me to lead with a clean conscience and a steady hand.
I want to be clear about the nature of my service: I already have a pulpit for preaching. I am not seeking a public office to find a new congregation but to offer my proven experience and commitment to effective leadership for the entire county. My convictions compel me to listen, to show respect, and to serve ALL citizens with a heart for the common good. We may not always agree on every issue, but you will always know where I stand and the values that drive my decisions.
I am here to listen.
A letter or a post is only a one-way conversation. I want to hear from you—your concerns, your hopes for our county, and your questions. I am making myself available to meet individually with anyone who would like to talk. Whether you want to discuss local policy or simply get to know the person behind the name, my door is open and I’d love to hear from you (970) 942-3243 or [email protected]. I will also be hosting several MEET THE CANDIDATE FORUMS in both Rangely and Meeker in the coming weeks, and will post those dates soon.
I believe in this county, and I believe that by being our authentic selves, we can build a stronger future.
Better together,
Richard Ford
www.ford4rbc.com
Meeker
About the jail
Dear Editor:
I am writing in response to recent discussions about reopening the Rio Blanco County (RBC) Jail. As a former County Commissioner, I want to clarify the thorough process and analysis behind the original decision to close the facility.
The Context and the Catalyst: The decision to close the RBC Jail was not made lightly. Sheriff Mazzola presented the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) with a financial proposal indicating that closure would save taxpayers more than $1 million annually. This prompted a thorough review of operational costs, legal considerations, and the county’s long-term financial health. The final decision followed extensive analysis and discussion by the Board.
Understanding the Financial and Legislative Framework: It is important for the public to understand that the Board of County Commissioners manages the county’s budget, including all elected offices such as the Sheriff’s Office. No elected official can open, operate, or modify a facility such as a jail without BOCC budget approval. These decisions have significant financial implications for property tax rates across all residents.
The Commission’s Deliberation: A Difficult Calculation: As County Commissioners, we did not take the decision to close a major facility lightly. We understood the significant taxpayer investment in the new jail, and discontinuing its use was a difficult consideration. However, fiscal responsibility required us to prioritize ongoing operational costs over sunk capital expenses.
Our analysis was driven by several key, evolving factors:
1. Changing Legislation: New state and federal legislative requirements continually place greater demands on jail operations, dramatically increasing the cost of compliance, staffing requirements, and specialized inmate care (e.g., mental health and substance abuse treatment).
2. Inmate Population: We assessed the number of inmates likely to be housed at the RBC facility. Operating a large facility with a low inmate count is highly inefficient, as fixed costs such as utilities, insurance, administrative overhead, and required security staff remain constant regardless of population.
3. The Cost-Benefit Analysis: We compared the ongoing operational costs of running our own facility to the negotiated amount paid to Moffat County for inmate housing. The financial case for consolidation was clear.
The Bottom Line – Financial Prudence and Local Control: While I strongly support local control and retaining jobs within the county, this commitment cannot outweigh the need for fiscal responsibility.
The decision to close the RBC Jail was based on a thorough and objective financial analysis. The current arrangement with Moffat County is the most efficient use of taxpayer funds. As taxpayers, we must consider which option best protects public investment. Sometimes, the most responsible financial choice, even if unpopular, best supports the long-term stability of Rio Blanco County.
Sincerely,
Ty Gates
Former RBC Commissioner
Gratitude for memorial bench dedication
Dear Editor:
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to those who helped make the recent memorial bench dedication at Circle Park such a meaningful and respectful event. This gathering of family and friends was a moment of remembrance, and it would not have been possible without the support of those who stepped forward to help.
A special thank you to Matt and Shawnie Moody, whose efforts went above and beyond to ensure everything came together. Their time, care, and dedication truly stood out and meant more than words can fully express.
I would also like to thank Charlie Day representing the Town of Meeker Board and the Meeker Fire Department, as well as Lisa Moffitt of the ERBM Board.
The dedication brought people together to honor a life and create a lasting place of reflection. It is through people like you that our community continues to show its strength and compassion.
The included photo captures a small piece of that day, but the impact will remain with all of us who were there.
Thank you again for your kindness, your service, and your commitment to Meeker.
Sincerely,
The Gerloff Family
Meeker
