Justin Ross, a candidate for the Bayfield School District Board of Directors, has been disqualified from running because he does not live in the district.
In a news release Wednesday, the La Plata County Clerk and Recorder’s Office said it determined Ross does “not meet the residency qualifications according to state law even though he has a Bayfield address.”
Contacted by phone, Ross said the clerk had disqualified him because it turns out his property is in Ignacio, not Bayfield, though he has a Bayfield phone number and ZIP code.
He said his ineligibility was discovered when his wife recently received an Ignacio ballot and complained to the clerk.
“We didn’t know, but my property actually touches the district line, at the base of the Bayfield school district.”
Ross said he accepted his disqualification.
“I was excited to serve – you know, I have four boys in the district, and I’ll continue to be involved, but, you know, life goes on. I’m not going to let it keep me down.”
In a recent candidate forum at Bayfield Town Hall, Ross was among several candidates who said evolution and creationism should be taught in schools.
“Evolution is a theory and a belief,” Ross said at the forum. “It’s never been entirely proven,” he said, and suggested “teaching intelligent design” as an alternative, letting kids ultimately decide what they believe.
Any votes already cast for Ross will not be counted.
Ross’s name is still on the ballot. Voters who already have filled out their ballot but have not turned it in can obtain a new ballot from the county clerk.
With Ross’ departure, the field of candidates competing for a four-year term narrows to five: Daniele Hillyer, Koel Phelps, Kristi Smith, Wendy Cox and incumbent Timothy Stumpf. There are two seats up for grabs.
Carol Blatnick and Judy Spady are competing for a single seat with a two-year term.
cmcallister@durangoherald.com
