“I think each (department) has things a commissioner could make more efficient,” he said Monday. “In a nutshell, we’re going to try to make county government more accessible and user-friendly.”
Williams, a Democrat, recently announced his candidacy for the seat Allan Belt is vacating, bringing to four the number of people who are vying for the job so far.
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Williams said the county could better use its “good people and good resources.”
“I think the application of the resources could be more organized and a whole lot more tailored to individual cases at hand.”
He said Montrose County’s needs were unique and that the agricultural environment should be protected. Subdivision processes should be reviewed with an eye to intent — for instance, if a farmer wanted to parcel his or her property to give portions to family members versus subdividing land for purposes of development.
“We have rules and regulations that don’t apply in every case,” Williams said. “We should introduce the word ‘variance’...on a case-by-case review.”
Williams said he could offer constituents years of successful business experience and a listening ear.
“I listen very well to my constituents and represent what I hear,” he said. “I am not seeking this because I need a better job. I’m at a point in my life that I need to focus on my community.”
Williams, a licensed pilot, is employed at Western Skyways turbine shop. The shop is owned by Al Head, who is seeking the recall of current County Commissioner Bill Patterson. Western Skyways is also a tenant of the same limited liability company as JetAway Aviation, which is suing the county over fixed-base operations contract issues.
Williams said the conflicts were to the point that only a court can settle them and, he added, it was “sad” the disagreements had reached their current level. None of it would affect how he would behave in office, Williams said.
“They (Western Skyways) have nothing to do with this. Historically, I have always been able to work well with Bill Patterson. Simultaneously, I am of my own mind. I don’t have any feeling anyone is going to incorporate me into something I don’t feel.”
Williams said that would also be the case when it came to working with Commissioner Gary Ellis, who is not up for re-election this year.
He said he had bipartisan support, including a campaign manager and treasurer who are Republicans.
He shared a broad range of experience, including experience in airport management issues. Williams served on an airport authority board in Tucson for eight years. He was also the manager at Nucla Hopkins Field from 1994-1999 and at Green River, Utah for two years, until Sept. 11, 2001 destroyed business there.
“I’m not naive to these airport issues,” Williams said.
Williams said he was also well versed in issues facing the West End of the county, part of District 3, which is more isolated from county services. Williams is a graduate of Nucla High School, and has maintained a home there for 17 years. (He also attended college at Colorado State University and Fort Lewis College, plus the American Academy of Aviation in Tucson). He was elected to the Nucla fire board, but left it to take the job in Green River.
He said Nucla and Naturita needed more attention from the county government, especially in light of an expected increase in mining and drilling activities.
“Those places need a fast response from county government,” he said. “I think there is a great deal of possibility on the West End.”
Williams suggested establishing a land-use and other offices in the West End. “We need to extend most county government, with some sort of office, into the West End,” he said.
“I can operate from the West End’s point of view and needs.”
Williams pledged openness.
“How can I help you? And I mean that with all my heart,” he said. “I’m a very diplomatic person. I always try to go for a solution that’s a win-win.
“I would like to hear from people who have suggestions and solutions that I can carry with me into his office.”
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