In election night’s least contentious races, the uncontested candidates came out winners across the board.
Shortly before midnight Tuesday, the numbers of votes counted for each candidate were as follows:
For La Plata County Clerk and Recorder Tiffany Lee – 23,071.
“Yea!” exclaimed Lee. “I am extremely honored once again to serve as the La Plata County Clerk and Recorder – for my fourth term. I was first selected in 2010. However, I have done this since 1996 as far as the clerk and recorder world. I’m honored, privileged and thankful. And being for sure the first elected independent in the county – we don’t know what will happen tonight with the other independents, but I am truly honored, and you can hear my voice cracking,” (she paused before continuing). “I love what I do. I love the people I serve. I love my community. I’ve been here a long, long time. I’m just very grateful.”
For La Plata County Sheriff Sean Smith – 20,228.
Smith laughed when told he won his uncontested race. “If my wife and kids voted for me I might be all right,” he said. “I am very thankful that I had the opportunity this time to not have to do the political thing, if you will. With our country and even community as divided as it is at this time, it’s nice just to continue doing the job as sheriff, and that the community has recognized what the Sheriff’s Office is doing for them. It really comes down to my team. I have an incredible team that has put me in the position, through all the work that we are doing with our community, to be able to run unopposed in an election. That’s what I’m most thankful for. We are just very fortunate that I have a great team that’s helping build a sense of community in our Sheriff’s Office that’s extending to our broader community and we’re doing a great job.”
For La Plata County Coroner Jann Smith – 21,046.
Smith cruised into her third term. “I want to thank everybody for voting for me. I really enjoy my job. And working with the families during a difficult time for them.” Smith has been on the job for about 30 years when her time as a deputy coroner is included. She also served a half term as coroner when the previous coroner retired. “I like being able to take care of a deceased individual. And treat them with respect. But I also like working with the family, like I said, helping them through a difficult time.”
For La Plata County Assessor Carrie Woodson – 19,745.
“I could not do this without my team, Woodson said. “I consider myself just another team member in the assessor’s office. I love being La Plata County Assessor. And the reason I love it is because you can help people. And I think a lot of people don’t realize that. We are able to help folks understand their taxes, make sure they’re correct. All of that. But No. 1 is, I couldn’t do this job without my team.”
This is Woodson’s second term as county assessor, but she has worked in the Durango office for 26 years.
The County Assessor is responsible for valuing all real and personal property, including mobile homes, residential, commercial properties, oil and gas, and agricultural land for property tax purposes.
gjaros@durangoherald.com
