Two will vie for the District 2 seat on the La Plata County Board of County Commissioners: incumbent
Lachelt was first elected in 2012 with promises to pursue long-range land-use planning. Her opponent, an entrepreneur and former owner of the Durango Fun Center, comes with no prior political experience and a pro-business platform. Their written answers to questions have been edited for length and style.
Q: What are some specific steps you have planned to make up for the shortfall from oil and gas?
A: The county will not only cut the 2017 budget overall, but also will continue to study ways to increase revenues through taxes and fees.
Despite declining revenues (caused by low natural gas prices from the glut of gas on the market), demand for county services is increasing because our population is growing. The county is charged with protecting public health, safety, welfare and the environment. We’ll continue to provide essential services – including sheriff, human services and road plowing – but all services will face cuts. We’re considering growth impact fees, a use tax on vehicles and construction materials purchased out of state, and a marijuana excise tax. We’ve been anticipating this shortfall for several years and have made strategic investments in technology to reduce needs to add staff. We are implementing an employee health clinic in 2017 to reduce our health care costs. We’ll also focus on laying the groundwork for building a diverse and strong economy through a new land-use code to ensure predictability and certainty in the planning process to help attract new businesses and better-paying jobs.
Q: What is the next step in addressing water-critical issues in the county?
A: In 2014, we established the Water Advisory Commission to advise the county on water policy matters. Interstate water compacts, climate change and population growth make water quality and supply one of our most challenging issues. The Division of Water Resources reports that one-third of the 8,900 water wells in the county have either gone dry or are contaminated; many county residents haul water. The WAC’s recommendations include working with appropriate entities to address the lack of water infrastructure/water delivery systems and the creation of voter-approved public improvement districts, special districts and other financial incentives to support water infrastructure development. The county also needs to ensure that adequate water supplies will exist for agriculture as residential and commercial water needs increase.
Q: What can you bring to the table that you think your opponent cannot?
A: When I ran in 2012, I brought three decades of managing organizations and public policy experience to the table. I now bring those lessons along with four years of serving as a commissioner. While government often operates at a glacial pace, because I understand how government works and because I’m persistent, I’m successful at moving projects forward, both here in La Plata County as well as at the state and federal level. As a former director of nonprofits and now as a commissioner, I’ve been required to adopt and maintain balanced budgets and be accountable not only to funders, but also to a board of directors and now to the taxpayers. I have a strong background in oil and gas policy, which is helpful as the county considers applications for oil and gas wells, produced water injection facilities, etc. My background in policy and working with state and federal agencies was also very helpful during our response to the Gold King Mine spill, as well as in working with neighboring governments in achieving Superfund listing for the Bonita Peak Mining District.
Q: Citing specific issues or votes, how have the past four years prepared you for another term?
A: I’ve played a key role in the county completing the comprehensive plan; working alongside community leaders meeting with our congressional delegation in Washington, D.C., to pass the Hermosa Creek Watershed Protection Act; restoring the Animas River and cleaning up abandoned mines – we worked closely with neighboring counties, tribes, the state and EPA to address the Gold King Mine spill and achieve Superfund listing for the Bonita Peak Mining District. Gov. John Hickenlooper appointed me to co-chair the Blue Ribbon Oil and Gas Task Force. Republican Congressman (Doug) Lamborn invited me to testify in Congress on the Bureau of Land Management’s Wasted Gas Rule, and we are writing a new land-use code to ensure predictability and certainty in the planning process to help attract new businesses and better-paying jobs.
Q: What are some specific steps you have planned to make up for the shortfall from oil and gas?
A: As a county, we need to be open and inviting to all business and industry to expand our tax base. That requires a simplified, affordable and predictable land-use code. I would consider selling particular county assets such as buildings. These properties are not paying property taxes, are an added expense of upkeep and maintenance, but have also displaced local businesses that could occupy the space and contribute to our economy.
Q: What is the next step in addressing water-critical issues in the county?
A: The county needs to be all in when it comes to water infrastructure. This includes revolving loans from the county for providers. Take advantage of low-interest loans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture as well as lenders such as Winrock International, who both have previously expressed interest in financing our water infrastructure. We have the water, we just have to get it to our citizens.
Q: What can you bring to the table that you think your opponent cannot?
A: As a commissioner, I will bring a much-needed business perspective and common sense to all county matters. I have 30 years of business and real-world experience and no political agenda. My deep roots in our community go back to the 1870s when my great-great grandfather, Johannes Goeglien, homesteaded the area known as Skyridge. This invaluable combination gives me a great appreciation of our history and heritage and the need to protect it while welcoming new growth.
Q: What experience has prepared you for office?
A: Creating, owning and operating my own business, Fun Center Powersports, for 25 years has given me valuable real-world experience. I have made executive decisions, created business plans and understand how to put together budgets to make sure money is spent efficiently and effectively. I am a professional and a strong leader. What we need is a business leader blessed with great insight, strength and wisdom, who will create a lean, efficient government. I believe I am that leader.
jpace@durangoherald.com
Voter information
The Nov. 8 election is the first presidential election in which all voters will receive a ballot through the mail if registered to vote by Oct. 31. Here’s some details:
Ballots will be mailed beginning Monday.
Ballots can be returned by mail or dropped off at secure, 24-hour drop boxes at: La Plata County Clerk & Recorder’s Office, 98 Everett St., Durango; Bayfield Town Hall, 1199 Bayfield Parkway, Bayfield; La Plata County Administration Building, 1101 E. Second Ave., Durango, or Farmers Fresh Market, 535 Goddard Ave., Ignacio.
Voter registration is open through Election Day.
Voter Service and Polling Centers in La Plata County will be open Monday through Saturday, beginning Oct. 24.
For a sample ballot and times and addresses for polling centers, go to
bit.ly/2dGU3VD
.
Election coverage
The Durango Herald will bring you daily election coverage through Oct. 23, with stories on every contested race and every local and state ballot issue. You can find all election coverage at durangoherald.com/election.
Gwen Lachelt
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree, Fort Lewis College.
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: County commissioner since 2012.
OCCUPATION: County commissioner.
WEBSITE: www.gwenlachelt.com
Lyle McKnight
EDUCATION: Studied at San Juan College, Fort Lewis College.
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Has not held office.
OCCUPATION: Founder and former owner of Fun Center, small local business.
WEBSITE: www.lylemcknight.com
