Voters signaled a desire for change in the Fort Lewis Mesa Fire Protection District board election Tuesday, electing newcomers Emily Horvath, Garrett Vogel and Travis Schmitt and unseating longtime board president Debbie Lee.
The lead-up to the election was marked by debates over the budget and transparency, dividing the six candidates into two camps: those defending the status quo and those pushing for change.
Horvath, Schmitt and Vogel said department staff should be held to higher standards and that they want to implement significant changes to address budget concerns and increase transparency.
Their opponents – Lee, Ryan Quinn and Doug Wood – expressed a desire to maintain the status quo.
Lee was the only incumbent seeking reelection and is married to the district’s fire chief, John Lee – a point of contention for some candidates.
“I wish the new board of directors the best and look forward to a positive outcome for the department,” Lee said. “That’s all I have to say.”
Although all three reform-minded candidates were elected, the margins were narrow. Vogel received 194 votes, followed by Horvath with 171 and Schmitt with 164. Wood received 159 votes, Lee had 156 and Quinn had 149 votes.
“The greatest thing about our country is that democratic process, and it just worked through itself,” said Fire Chief John Lee. He declined to comment further on the outcome of the election.
Results will remain unofficial for the legally required eight-day certification period. The new board is expected to meet within 30 days.
The district’s election official could not be reached for comment.
jbowman@durangoherald.com
