In an election, competition is always a good thing, and in Montezuma County general elections, its a rare thing as well.
In this years election for Montezuma County Commission, District 3, theres plenty of it, with three candidates: Dewayne Findley, Greg Kemp and Larry Don Suckla.
Findley has experience in the role so much, in fact, that a decision shortly before an election eight years ago cost him his seat. Nonetheless, he was a strong, hard-working commissioner who represented Montezuma County well.
Kemp offers a clear alternative. Well to the left in a county that leans far to the right, he has presented good ideas that deserve more consideration than theyre likely to get.
Suckla is the wild card. Hes a well-liked local candidate who sure looks like a Republican, but he didnt go through the primary process. The ballot response to that will be interesting, especially after some GOP voters made such a fuss about party affiliation in the district attorney primary.
This is a vote that matters greatly, because theres a lot happening in the county. The commission must decide how (and whether, although that seems to be a given) to support energy development in the region while minimizing its worst effects. Although the county does a good job managing its money, it continues to be in short supply. The commissioners will be responsible for hard choices, so choosing them well is important.
Cortez Journal
