U.S. Representative Scott Tipton, R-Cortez, recently opened an office in Durango and relocated his Cortez office.

Tipton Field Representative R. Darlene Marcus called the move a “no brainer,” saying that office expenses were cut by 40 percent by opening the Durango location.

The move was prompted after a second measure was passed by the House of Representatives to reduce expenses by 5 percent for 2012.

“With the moves, we were able to expand our coverage, increase productivity, save expenses and have more consistency for the Cortez office,” Marcus said.

He also said they were definitely not going to close the office in Cortez, Tipton’s hometown, but opening a Durango office made sense.

“More federal agency headquarters are there, as well as other organizations,” she said.

Both U.S. Sens. Mark Udall, D-Colo., and Michael Bennet, D-Colo., have offices in Durango. In fact, the congressman’s office will share the same building with the senators’ offices.

Marcus said she is the only staff member for both offices.

“I cover six counties. The 3rd District is the size of Florida, so I’m not always in the office,” Marcus said. “I would encourage people to call, and make an appointment. We’re more than happy to meet with people.”

brandonm@cortezjournal.com