#nofilter
Learn more about the candidates vying for your votes
No matter what side of the issues or the aisle a voter is on, it’s likely everyone can agree that this has been an election like no other. In fact, it often feels like TMZ is better suited for covering the presidential race than any other media outlet.
But, behind all the tabloid headlines and Twitter wars are issues that really matter to the people who live in this corner of Colorado. In an effort to turn attention back to local concerns, the Telegraph has asked the people looking to represent the Southwest some fun and informative questions about themselves and their views.
Candidates vying for seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, La Plata County Board of Commissioners and Colorado House of Representatives have all responded to our request.
Let’s start with the State House:
State Representative District 59
J. Paul Brown, Republican (incumbent)
Previous/current occupation: Rancher/businessman, State Legislature
What do you enjoy doing when not on the campaign trail? I love working and caring for my horses, sheep and cattle.
If your music player was stuck on repeat, what song would you want it to be stuck on? “I’m Proud to Be an American” by Lee Greenwood
What is your hidden talent? I can sing.
What would you title your autobiography? J. Paul Brown - Freedom Fighter
If elected, what qualities of Southwest Colorado would you take with you to the State Legislature? A beautiful environment, honesty, hard work, caring for one another, the lack of prejudice.
Barbara McLachlan, Democrat
Previous/current occupation: Retired Durango High School teacher, currently co-owner of a college consulting and tutoring business.
What do you enjoy doing when not on the campaign trail? Walking, reading, and enjoying the mountains in every season.
If your music player was stuck on repeat, what song would you want it to be stuck on? “Say You Love Me” by Fleetwood Mac
What is your hidden talent? I’m a backup singer, in my mind.
What would you title your autobiography? Serious Fun: A Life of Service and Joy
If elected, what qualities of Southwest Colorado would you take with you to the state legislature? I want to bring the love my constituents have for this district to the Legislature, including their passion for the mountains, water, people, agriculture and recreation.
La Plata County commissioner: District 3
Julie Holligan Westendorff, Democrat (incumbent)
Previous/current occupation: Attorney/real estate broker and current county commissioner
What do you enjoy doing when not on the campaign trail? Hiking, cross-country skiing, saltwater fishing with my husband
If your music player was stuck on repeat, what song would you want it to be stuck on? “Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World” by Bruddah Iz
What is your hidden talent? Speaking Spanish
What would you title your autobiography? Leave This Place Better Than You Found It
With a tight budget, need for a new airport and oil and gas revenues so low, what do you think the county should focus its limited resources on in the coming year? We begin formal budget consideration next week. Although it’s too early to know exactly how the amount of revenues will compare to proposed operating expenditures, I will focus on trying to maintain existing levels of county services while keeping within expected revenues. We went through similar budget hardships in 2014. I am confident that we can navigate the 2017 budget also.
Encouraging economic development and diversification is important. Collaborating regionally with other agencies and the private sector for improved broadband and our airport are other areas where we can partner for the economic health of us all.
Name: Kayla (Story) Patterson, Republican
Previous/current occupation: Legal assistant. Please see my website for a full resume: kaylapatterson.net.
What do you enjoy doing when not on the campaign trail? Spending time with my husband and family, spoiling my nieces and nephews, playing softball with my husband and giving back to our local non-profit organizations.
If your music player was stuck on repeat, what song would you want it to be stuck on? The song my father and I danced to on my wedding day, “Small Town Saturday Night” by Hal Ketchum.
What is your hidden talent? Although it isn’t really a hidden talent, I am always willing to speak from the heart, even if it makes me cry.
What would you title your autobiography? Abundantly Blessed.
With a tight budget, need for a new airport and oil and gas revenues so low, what do you think the county should focus its limited resources on in the coming year? I think we need to focus on our existing infrastructure such as helping our Road and Bridge Department. I also believe we need to focus on our current businesses and focus on attracting new businesses that have an interest in joining our beautiful community. By 2018, La Plata County will see an impact from the loss of gas and oil revenue. In 2017, La Plata County will need to welcome new business and help the current business that want to expand, do so. I would like to work toward an affordable, predictable building and permitting process. After all, a local diverse economy will be the key alternative to absorb the loss of gas and oil revenue.
La Plata County commissioner: District 2
Gwen Lachelt, Democrat (incumbent)
Previous/current occupation: La Plata County commissioner since 2012; founder and former director of the Oil & Gas Accountability Project (1999-2012).
What do you enjoy doing when not on the campaign trail? Hiking with my family in the mountains and in canyon country; and lake and river kayaking.
If your music player was stuck on repeat, what song would you want it to be stuck on? The theme song to the movie “Rocky”
What is your hidden talent? I make a mean grilled cheese (with green chili).
What would you title your autobiography? When They Go Low, We Go High: 30 Years Fighting for Land, Air and Water
With a tight budget, need for a new airport and oil and gas revenues so low, what do you think the county should focus its limited resources on in the coming year? Despite declining revenues due to low natural gas prices, demand for county services is increasing because our population is growing. The county is charged with protecting public health, safety, welfare and the environment. We’ll continue to provide essential services – including sheriff and human services. I urge a “Yes” vote on Measure 1A to fund county roads and bridges. In addition to this mill levy increase, we’re considering growth-impact fees and a use tax. We’ve been anticipating this shortfall for several years and have made strategic investments in technology to avoid having to add staff. We are implementing an employee health clinic in 2017 to reduce our health-care costs. We’ll also focus on laying the groundwork for a diverse and strong economy through implementing a new land-use code to ensure predictability and certainty in the planning process to help attract new businesses and better paying jobs.
Lyle Wesley McKnight, Republican
Previous/current occupation: Former owner and founder of Fun Center Motorsports
What do you enjoy doing when not on the campaign trail? Hiking with my wife Tonya and two black labs, motocross and basically anything motorsports.
If your music player was stuck on repeat, what song would you want it to be stuck on? “Up Around the Bend” by Creedence Clearwater Revival
What is your hidden talent? The ability to read people for exactly who they are!
What would you title your autobiography? Follow Your Dream
With a tight budget, need for a new airport and oil and gas revenues so low, what do you think the county should focus its limited resources on in the coming year? First and foremost, public safety, which includes our county roads, emergency response and law enforcement.
U.S. House of Representatives: District 3
Gail Sheridan Schwartz, Democrat
Previous/current occupation: Corporate officer and market analyst for an international community planning firm with a focus on affordable housing.
What do you enjoy doing when not on the campaign trail? I get out to hike, bike and ski. I love spending time with my family and friends, especially the grandkids.
If your music player was stuck on repeat, what song would you want it to be stuck on? “How Sweet it Is (To Be Loved by You)” by James Taylor
What is your hidden talent? I’m famous for my peach chutney! Of course, it’s made with Western Slope peaches.
What would you title your autobiography? Showing Up: A Story of Listening, Learning and Getting Things Done or Life’s Lessons: Learning and Serving
If elected, what would be the first piece of legislation you would introduce in the House of Representatives? This would be a tough choice between veterans’ health care, expanding broadband infrastructure, and health care reform to address rural costs.
Editor’s note: Rep. Scott Tipton, R-Cortez, was given the questionnaire but did not respond as of press time.