Alan Rolston stepped into the public spotlight last week as the newest trustee for the Town of Mancos.

After a half-hour public interview process before sitting trustees, Rolston was chosen by secret ballot to replace the seat vacated in July by trustee Reneata Collins. Mayor Rachel Simbeck immediately administered Rolston's oath of office; then he joined other trustees behind an arched bureau at Town Hall for the remainder of their bimonthly meeting.

"I am a fan of Mancos and feel that my background and knowledge might add to the council's expertise," he said. "This will be a great opportunity to give back to this wonderful community."

Rolston's résumé includes previous experience as a public works director in Montana and manager of a wastewater treatment facility at Edgemont Ranch outside Durango.

Collins was elected to serve a four-year term in April 2012. After her resignation from the post, Rolston will serve out the remainder of the term.

Two others also sought the appointment, including previous interim board member Regina Roberts and political science graduate student Matthew Baskin.

tbaker@cortezjournal.com