Daily Press Editorial
Maybe the most remarkable facet of this year’s Montrose county commissioner’s election is how both candidates have a perspective that isn’t tied so deeply to the past. Past elections have had a “vote for me, I’ve lived here longer” mantra. A long residency here certainly isn’t a negative. In many ways, it’s envied. It’s just that this election is simply different. It’s a break from the past.
Both Democrat Bob Connor and Republican Gary Ellis are relative newcomers here. Connor moved here in 2003, Ellis in 2000. They’re both ‘retired,’ but in name only. They’ve been active in the community. They’ve done plenty of legwork for their respective parties. They are both honorable men, who have had distinguished careers in education and law enforcement.
We believe Ellis is the better choice. Here’s why:
Ellis offers experience in government. As a commander in the Denver Police Department, Ellis routinely worked with other governmental agencies, and the command staff of the police department. He was involved with the planning of major events for Denver, like the Summit of Eight in 1997, Pope John Paul II’s visit in 1993. His past involvement in Denver community issues, dealing with minorities and conflict resolution with citizens, is a plus.
Ellis has competence and a political savvy not always found in the same dosage. We believe that to reach the rank of lieutenant in an urban police department, and to be a part of a command team, one has to have management abilities that are respected by peers and higher-ups. Too, one doesn’t rise to a command position - either in government, private business, or police for that matter - without having political skills. And we don’t mean politics as a pejorative; rather, as a positive in knowing whom to call when a situation merits input, or who to stroke when in need of an ally to succeed in the bigger picture.
County growth, and how to manage it, is a big concern, but it isn’t the only one facing county leadership. There are other priorities, like law enforcement, often cited in citizen and Daily Press reader surveys. Ellis’ 31 years as a police officer would be useful. Not to second-guess the new sheriff, but to offer support. Ellis’ election would be a boon to morale to local law enforcement as he has worn the badge. As a pilot and a member of the county airport board, Ellis has an appreciation for the Montrose Regional Airport, one of our best assets in community development.
Ellis is the “establishment candidate” for sure. He’s the former chairman of the county Republican Party. When he and his wife, Kathy, arrived six years ago to live here full-time, he did the mundane party work of knocking on doors, working the telephones. We also trust he’s not beholden to any particular sect of the county Republican Party. We believe he’s his own man and are confident in selling alternative solutions to other commissioners and county staff.
His opponent, Bob Connor, has been an integral part of a county Democratic revitalization. His campaign signs abound; he has been tireless on the stump. He has worked to know more about Montrose County, and has provided rational, thoughtful answers to the vexing issues we face. We credit him for helping re-establishing a two-party system in Montrose County, though Democratic registrants trail Republican numbers significantly.
The county is in a transitioning period. Virtually every sector of government and private industry has been touched by the influx of new residents and the challenges that growth brings. Financial stressors have been felt by county roads, law enforcement and impacting social services. Gary Ellis is our choice to provide the leadership to meet the challenges ahead. We endorse his election.
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