Espinoza, Garcia announce candidacy for Conejos County Commissioner, District 1.

Rick Espinoza

Rick Espinoza, a lifelong resident of Conejos County, is announcing his candidacy for Conejos County Commissioner. He shares his recognition that the needs of Conejos County are great and varied. His many years of service in non-profit and government organizations, as well as maintaining a thriving family farm have prepared him to serve in this capacity. Espinoza recognizes the need for collaboration in the County and acknowledges no one person can address or even try to deal with all the issues. It will be important to establish oversight/advisory committees and partnering with others to address the needs going forward. Throughout his career, he has worked with others to achieve positive outcomes. He is a graduate of Adams State University and The University of Michigan and attended The University of Denver. His work experience of 30 years, includes working for the Council of Governments, SLV-Mental Health Center, SLV-Board Of Cooperative Education Services (BOCES) and Conejos County Department of Social Services. He has served on various boards including: The Early Childhood Council, Health and Human Services and SLV Workforce. He was on the board of Rocky Mountain SER for 10 years, and served as interim CEO and Chair.

Rick stated, “These entities afforded me the opportunity to work directly with clients/customers throughout the San Luis Valley, including all 14 school districts.” Additionally, as an Administrator for these organizations, “I managed budgets of 6 - 20 million dollars, and am proud to say, without a single audit exception.” Rick has been a partner in his family’s ranch and has dealt with private business issues not limited to drought and market swings. “We have weathered the storms no less for wear and tear on our bodies but the strengthening of our resolve to maintain and secure our parents’ legacy and our family’s future legacy” Rick further stated, “while many speak of supporting and protecting our water, I believe in the wise old man’s adage, if your community is going to be run by committee, then you better get on the committee.” Espinoza is currently a member of the Conejos Water Conservancy District, Conejos Water Users, and Cumbres/LaManga Cattlemen’s Association.

Rick feels one cannot sit back and watch as decisions are made and wonder why? “One must be part of the decision making.”

When asked what he sees as the most pressing issue for Conejos County he sums it up by saying “It comes as no secret the county is in dire financial straits, brought on by years of mismanagement. Espinoza believes there is a need to get a clear picture of the finances and then set a fiscally responsible course. He shares, “this can be done by the examination of current resources and evaluation of the method of delivery of services. Just because things have been done one way forever doesn’t mean we should or can continue doing them the same way.” He is looking to partner with other entities, possibly other counties and work to leverage resources to do more with less. Drugs in the community including the jail population is an ever-increasing problem and addressing this problem must include all stakeholders and must include the availability of ongoing recovery services. Rick concedes, there are no easy answers and the first step is to acknowledge these challenges exist, identify resources and set a plan in motion to address the problems. Currently, the Coronavirus is causing our schools to close, our local businesses to close or diminish accessibility to the greater public, adversely affecting their ability to survive financially. Families will struggle to maintain basic care for their children and extended family members. There is a need for strong communication and strategic planning with our community agencies, schools and county to develop a comprehensive plan for addressing the overarching needs and it is not one sole entity’s responsibility. We are in this together and should work together to mitigate the current and long-term impacts. Espinoza believes efforts to mitigate the impacts of this crisis are going to extend far beyond the time of isolation and quarantine.    

This is not time for panic but time for strategic urgency and clear purpose. At a minimum, Commissioners need to be held accountable. Espinoza argues that a good place to start would be to have them establish and maintain regular “office hours,” for accessibility and communication with the citizens of Conejos County. Rick also would like to ask the public if it is time to return to term limits, he shared his belief that “unlimited holding of power invites complacency and corruption.”

“These are not Republican or Democrat issues, these challenges affect us all. I am running to represent all residents of Conejos County. We can agree to disagree and still work together. There is a need for unity and looking at how we include diverse voices in leadership roles. Failure of leadership is when we are not inclusive and problems are ignored. We cannot continue to do the ‘same old same old’ and expect different outcomes.”

I leave you with a quote, “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we have been waiting for. We are the change we seek,” Yes, We Can, Si Se Puede!

Thank you for considering my candidacy for Conejos County Commissioner, District#1. Your

support is appreciated and your vote is needed, now more than ever, as we navigate the challenges in our community.

Carlos Garcia

I am announcing my candidacy as a Republican candidate for Conejos County Commissioner, District 1.

I am a proud lifelong resident of Conejos County, growing up in Antonito. I graduated from Antonito High School, received my Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Education from the University of Colorado, and my Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Adams State College.  I worked for the South Conejos School District for 33 years, serving the district in many capacities, as a Business Education Teacher, Federal Program’s Administrator, Elementary Principal and Superintendent of Schools.

My parents are Reginaldo Jr. and Otilda Garcia, two brothers Reginaldo III and Roberto.  I have two daughters, both married, Lucinda (Xavier) and Katherine (Brandon) and two grandchildren, Manolo and Ava.  My father, Reginaldo Jr. served as Conejos County Clerk and Recorder and was very well-known across the county, my grandfather, Reginaldo Sr. served as a Colorado State Representative, and Ramon Chacon, my cousin, served as a Conejos County Commissioner.

  In addition to my prior employment at South Conejos School District, I have and continue to work in the ranching industry.  I purchased both commercial and registered Black Angus cows eventually evolving operations into a successful business.  I can relate to county and SLV ranchers and farmers including the daily and annual challenges we encounter.

           Currently, I am serving in the capacity of Conejos County Commissioner. From day one, I have owned and embraced the position, my work and my votes at regular and special meetings. I have introduced myself and been introduced to many citizens across the county.  I listen attentively and follow-up with their concerns.  It has been a privilege to meet so many people with whom I have been able to gain their insight, views and trust. 

Considering inflationary challenges, I will work hard to maintain and improve existing services, as applicable.  I have many plans and goals that I hope to make a reality with effective planning and resources.  I will support economic development growth within the county.  I will continue to work smart in moving forward with county projects, general fund concerns, road and bridge improvements, elected official and department support and advocating for salaries and wages that are fair and competitive in order to improve employee recruitment and retention. 

In light of our current global economy challenges related to the COVID-19 outbreak, we will be met with uncertainty and as such, my plans will continue to evolve.  Through all of this change, I commit to ensuring that our county’s best interests will always be at the forefront.

           In summary, I bring many quality skills to Conejos County government based on my prior occupational and life experiences.  I bring strong budget development and implementation skills, public agency personal relations insight, policy development, and an entrepreneurial skillset.  I am aware of rancher and farmer concerns, such as the Rio Grande Compact and water issues.  I have and will continue to work closely with our Veteran’s Officer to ensure benefits and programs are sustained.  I will continue to listen to citizen concerns and remain visible, approachable, and transparent.   Considering the current circumstances, my plan is to contact as many county residents as possible and eventually campaign door to door.  I kindly ask for your support and vote!