The Elks Lodge was filled Friday evening with optimistic La Plata County Republicans celebrating President Trump’s inauguration.

About 100 people attended the La Plata County Republicans’ DeploraBall and many said they have high expectations for his first term. There were similar events across the country.

“Our government will be run like a business, and it’s going to be so exciting to watch,” said Kayla Patterson, an event organizer.

The chairman of the La Plata County Republicans, Travis Oliger, attended the inauguration, which was a point of pride for the group.

“We want to celebrate that they remembered La Plata County,” she said.

Many in the room have high hopes that Trump will create jobs, reduce regulation, reduce health care costs and reform immigration.

“I do want to see that wall built,” said Debbe Speck, noting that it would help stop illegal immigration and would help prevent terrorism.

Davin Montoya said he appreciates that Trump is not accepted by Democrats or Republicans and he doesn’t owe anything to anyone.

“I’m optimistic the new president will follow through on his promises,” he said.

Cheri and Russ Eby said Trump returned power to the people in his inauguration speech.

“I felt like it was from his heart,” she said.

She believes Trump will put the American people first and help bring back jobs, especially entry-level positions for young people.

“We have a lot of needy people in this country. We don’t need to go abroad; we need to help people here,” she said.

mshinn@durangoherald.com