Bonnie Anderson, former director of the county’s noxious weed program, is running for a Montezuma County commissioner seat in next year’s election.
Anderson said she will campaign on public trust in county government, public safety, responsible spending and developing new revenue streams.
Although recognized in 2022 as Colorado’s Weed Manager of the Year, Anderson’s relationship with the Board of County Commissioners has been contentious. She sued the commissioners over her termination in December 2023 and said the case ended in an out-of-court settlement this year.
Anderson is the second person to announce a bid for the District 1 seat, held by Jim Candelaria. Former Road and Bridge foreman Brett Likes announced his candidacy Nov. 6.
Candelaria’s two-term limit ends in November 2026. He was elected in 2018 and reelected in 2022.
The other two commissioners remain in office.
District 2 Commissioner Kent Lindsay won reelection in 2024 after serving a term starting in 2020 and terms from 1997 to 2005. District 3 Commissioner Gerald Koppenhafer returned to office in 2024 after two terms from 2004 to 2012.
The weed program saw funding cuts in 2024 after commissioners lowered its priority, prompting the six-member weed advisory board to resign, according to Journal reports.
Anderson was fired in October 2023 and sued the commissioners, alleging retaliatory termination and discrimination, KSJD reported. Anderson alleged she was dismissed for criticizing budget cuts.
The commissioners denied Anderson’s allegations. Both sides settled out of court, Anderson said.
Asked if a grudge motivated her to run, Anderson replied:
“I’m running because I care about this county, and I’ve seen firsthand how important transparency, accountability and respectful leadership are. The past made me pay attention, but it’s not my motivation. My motivation is wanting to fix problems, not fight people.”
Sheriff Steve Nowlin, while saying he does not formally endorse candidates, spoke highly of Anderson.
“She’s a very intelligent, hardworking person,” Nowlin said. “When she was head of the noxious weed department, she got more funding for grants that saved tax dollars and benefited property owners and farmers.”
Anderson said that if elected, she would work to create a culture in county government focused on morale and transparency.
“Just the respect factor between our leaders, and then the departments and the public, has been deteriorating,” Anderson said. “When that happens, it’s hurting the morale of the county employees themselves.”
Low employee morale can affect county services and residents, Anderson said. Her perception was informed by her time working for the county.
Another priority is public safety. Anderson said she would address issues outlined in the KRW report, a March study of the Sheriff’s Office that cited several shortfalls.
She said staff shortages and retention must be addressed.
“It’s not like we’re going to fix everything right away, but we have to start planning.”
Anderson said that as a commissioner, she would review all department cuts. The county keeps financial reserves longer than necessary, she said.
“We need to review each department’s needs. We need to rebuild or restructure where needed. We need to bring back programs that serve the public well.”
Last, she said the county needs to develop new revenue streams and economic plans. Examples include boosting tourism revenue, leveraging workforce training at Pueblo Community College Southwest and revisiting a failed public safety sales tax measure.
Anderson said her next step will be meeting with residents to discuss the county’s future.
“I’m all about listening,” she said. “I’m not an expert in everything and I want to listen to the experts and I want to hear what they have to say.”
