Support for Scritchfield from Rangely resident
Dear Editor:
I, Rosaly Coombs, am generally a quiet and reserved person with few words. However, I feel strongly about our county and our way of life. Therefore, I wholeheartedly endorse Callie (Hendrickson) Scritchfield for County Commissioner. Please let me tell you why.
I met Callie when I joined the Douglas Creek Conservation District board. She impressed me with her knowledge on land resource issues. As I attended meetings and learned, I noticed how hard Callie was listening to everyone. I also noticed that she gave all sides or views on a matter. Often I had prematurely come to a conclusion on an issue, only to learn more of the other angles and understand it more fully from Callie. Besides being a good listener she collaborates well with everyone. I saw it in action as the White River Water Initiative was formed, led by Callie. It included, wildlife advocates, Rangely Town, Meeker Town, County, Ranchers, Farmers, Recreation, Oil and Gas, Yellow Jacket Water Conservancy District, the Rio Blanco Water Conservancy District, and others I may not have mentioned to represent all aspects of our culture for water usage on the White River. Callie made sure all parts of the County had input by holding community meetings in Rangely, Piceance, Meeker, and Upriver to discuss their priorities, concerns, and goals for water usage on the White River. It was the people of Rio Blanco County’s goals that were established, not her own. True collaboration.
Last summer, Rio Blanco County experienced the invasion of Mormon crickets. Through Callie’s leadership, the White River and Douglas Creek Conservations Districts were able to obtain a grant for cricket control. It, however, needed a match.
Fortunately, the County matched the grant. With collaboration and support from the County personnel and resources, nearly 5,000 acres have been sprayed for effective cricket control with many more acres yet to be sprayed as we see crickets on private lands. This kind of collaboration is second nature to
Callie. I am grateful for the collaboration and partnership the Conservation Districts have with
the County.
Callie wants what is best for the citizens of Rio Blanco County, no matter where they live. She develops ways to find solutions through her experience, hard work, and collaboration skills. She has worked tirelessly for the Conservation District and will continue to work tirelessly for you.
She is very conservative in her beliefs on government and reveres the constitution. She is loyal, honest, ethical, accountable and upholds Rio Blanco County’s culture and way of life. In maintaining our culture, just ask the County Commissioners how important the Land Use Plan is for our County which she helped develop. Callie will complement the other commissioners as she serves me and you.
Respectfully,
Rosaly Coombs
Rangely
PS. Rangely folks, our end of the county historically votes less than the Meeker end. Please indicate how you feel by voting in June, which is soon. I vote for Callie Scritchfield for county commissioner.
Support for Halandras from Meeker resident
Dear Editor:
I am writing this letter in support of Regas Halandras running for Rio Blanco County Commissioner. I had the privilege of working with Regas, as both Town of Meeker Trustee and Mayor, when I worked for the Town of Meeker. He was always willing to listen and worked well with Town Staff and other governmental entities. He supported and attended joint meetings, at least twice a year between Rio Blanco County Commissioners, the Towns of Meeker and Rangely and other interested tax-collecting entities in Rio Blanco County. In conversation with Regas, he will encourage joint meetings and long-range planning within Rio Blanco County tax collecting entities, which in the past, led to receiving larger grants for projects and finding ways each entity could cooperate and share equipment and personnel to eliminate overlap of services.
Regas has always been involved in many nonprofit organizations to benefit Rio Blanco County, including the sheepdog trials and the Meeker Area Mountain Bike Association. He also has served as a Board member of both governmental and nonprofit organizations. He views Rio Blanco County as a whole, including both Meeker and Rangely as well as agriculture and industries. He has been involved in small business ventures and is very aware of how important they are to Rio Blanco County as well as the difficulties of owning a small business.
Regas views the County Commissioner job as a full-time job. He understands the importance of working with adjoining counties, being involved with Associated Governments of Northwestern Colorado, Colorado Counties, Inc., etc. and being educated and proactive concerning legislation during legislative seasons.
Regas’ background of 12 years as Trustee/Mayor has provided key education in how local government works and will serve him well when elected County Commissioner. He will work well with citizens as well as other governmental entities promoting unity and conversations to better Rio Blanco County, and therefore, is the best candidate for District 3 County Commission.
Sincerely,
Sharon Day
Meeker
Candidate Scritchfield on commissioner bid
Dear Editor:
The June Republican primary is quickly approaching, and Rio Blanco County (RBC) citizens will soon have the chance to vote who they would like to represent them as county commissioner from District 3. First and foremost, please be sure you vote. If you are not sure you are registered, contact the County Clerk’s office.
Thank you to all who attended the candidate forums last week. I believe it offered a great deal of insight on the candidate’s ideas and abilities.
While I will have a steep learning curve stepping into the County Commissioner position, I bring a great deal of experience, leadership, and collaboration skills that will allow me to be an effective Commissioner on day one.
One question was asked about how I will fight for our oil and gas industries that are the 80% of the County’s income. My answer is the same as it would be for most any issue that is critical to our County. First, I will reach out to the respective industry representatives in RBC to get the details of what they need from the County. Then I will utilize my already developed networks and relationships here locally, across the State, and at the national level as appropriate to advocate for the needs to ensure a prosperous economy in RBC.
I currently have contacts in the Oil and Gas (O&G) industry with an open line of communications. These contacts include several of the major operators in the County and established relationships with Western Slope Colorado Oil & Gas Association (WSCOGA) Executive Director and officers. WSCOGA was heavily engaged in two of the collaborative efforts led by the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts (Conservation Districts) under my leadership. Additionally, I would work through groups like the Colorado Farm Bureau, Club 20, and Colorado Cattlemen’s Assn. who currently have policies supporting the O&G industry to ensure a united front from various angles.
Another question asked at the forums was regarding why voters should vote for me. The answer is, I have the experience, leadership, and collaboration skills that will best serve you over the next four years. 1) I am committed to being a fulltime commissioner. You and the County business will have my full attention. 2) The attack on our way of life is through government overreach. I am the candidate who has the experience and is committed to fiercely opposing government overreach. 3) I will hit the ground running with my experience testifying at the State Capitol and on Capitol Hill as bills are being considered starting in January. I will be in the right place at the right time. 4) I have the contacts and relationships with multiple state and national organizations. I know their policies that support our issues in RBC and can call on them for support. 5) I am a fiscal conservative with experience in local government budgeting. My work at the Conservation Districts accomplishes much more on far fewer dollars than our counterparts across the State.
I have and will continue to have an open-door policy. If you have any questions or would like to meet with me, you are welcome to email me at Callie4RBC@gmail. If you want to understand the breadth of my experience, leadership, and collaboration skills, please visit www.Callie4RBC.com.
I respectfully ask you to vote for Callie Scritchfield in the June Republican primary.
Callie Scritchfield
RBC County Commissioner Candidate, District 3