CREEDE — A fresh set of eyes and a unique perspective are just two qualities that Michael Averette believes will help him win the Mineral County treasurer seat during the November election.

Averette announced his candidacy for Mineral County treasurer earlier in February. He’ll be running on the Republican ticket, as nominated by the Republican Party during the March 6 precinct caucus. The Mineral County resident strives to serve and enjoys giving back to his community, as evidenced through his former posts with the U.S. Navy Reserves and Army National Guard.

Currently, he is employed as the Mineral County administrator’s assistant where he is responsible for overseeing county building permits, OWTS permits and the Mineral County Airport fuel depot, as well as county building maintenance, among other areas. This role has allowed him to gain direct experience in local government operations, and more specifically, with the treasury office, as he also assists that department on an ongoing basis.

Averette is no stranger to the business world. As general manager of Wolf Creek Ranch Ski Lodge for the past eight years, he is adept at managing budgets, accounting and bookkeeping. Averette is regarded as a strategic thinker who looks for interesting new ways to solve problems, both big and small. He employs his educational background in his vision for success, holding a Bachelor of Science in marketing from the University of Alabama, as well as an associate’s degree in industrial electricity from Shelton State University, located in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Mineral County is a place Averette has called home for a long time. He and his wife, Jennifer, live on Wolf Creek Pass with their two young children. Averette said he’s dedicated to sound financial planning and making long-term improvements in the fiscal budget, incorporating positive changes that will benefit current and future residents alike.