While some aspects of local elections can be contentious, La Plata County voters can also pragmatically accept the old adage that there is no need to fix something that is not broken. With that, there are three county officials on the ballot this year who are running unopposed. They are therefore assured of re-election, but despite that are all worthy of notice – and our thanks.
Clerk and Recorder
Tiffany Lee Parker was first elected to the clerk’s job four years ago. In that time, she has continued the tradition of good service and quiet competence La Plata County residents have come to expect from that office. And, she has raised the bar.
The county clerk is tasked with handling vehicle registrations and legal recording services. But one of the position’s most visible duties, and its most important, is running elections. That is particularly true in Parker’s time in office because technology is advancing so quickly.
The expectation in everything anymore is ease, speed and convenience. In elections, though, accuracy and honesty are of paramount concern. Under Parker the clerk’s office has come through on all counts.
And in all its functions, the office reflects Parker’s cheerful personality. Far from the stereotypical image of a sclerotic and rude government office, things are handled in a friendly, courteous and efficient manner.
Never mind that she is unopposed, vote for Tiffany Lee Parker.
County assessor
Craig Larson is running for his eighth term as La Plata County’s assessor. And for the fifth time, he, too, is unopposed.
There is a reason for that. Larson is good at his job.
The assessor’s is a big job and an important one. Determining the amount of property tax owed on a specific property is complex, often confusing to the uninitiated and in one way or another it touches everyone. It has to be done precisely, fairly and in such a way that it is seen to be fair.
The assessor’s office also has to keep abreast of new technology and new developments in business and commerce. In La Plata County, that effectively means understanding the gas industry.
Larson has 16 employees and a budget of $1.2 million. Last year, his office collected about $67 million in property-tax revenue. About half went to area schools with the rest funding local government.
With the degree of responsibility and knowledge required, this county is lucky someone qualified wants to do the job.
Vote for Craig Larson.
Surveyor
La Plata County Surveyor Larry Connolly also has no opponent in his bid for another term in office. He, too, deserves a vote of confidence.
The surveyor operates largely unnoticed, in part because most of us rarely have a personal need to deal with the office. Most people, particularly those living in town, seldom think about exactly where a piece of property begins or ends let alone how to determine that.
But that, of course, is what the surveyor does. His three basic duties include representing the county in boundary disputes, keeping the county attorney informed of boundary disputes or discrepancies that may pop up, and properly filing all necessary records related to any work authorized and paid for by the county commissioners.
It is the kind of work that is necessary and must be precise, even as it typically goes unnoticed by the general pubic. Now, though, is a good time to notice it.
Vote for Larry Connolly.
