Several Republican candidates seeking a seat on the Montezuma County Board of County Commissioners will take part in the first of a series of public forums Wednesday night at Mesa Trails Cowboy Church in Mancos.
The event begins at 6 p.m. at 281 W. Menefee St.
Montezuma County Young Republicans are organizing and moderating the event, with logistical help from the Republican Central Committee. Participating candidates include Bonnie Anderson, Brett Likes, Gerald Whited, Rodney Cox, Shane Prentice and Diane Fox‑Spratlen. Rebecca Busic, a Democratic candidate, will not join the forum, and neither will Dennis Bugg, who is running as an unaffiliated candidate.
Republican Central Committee Vice Chair Bob Ower said the timing of the forum is purposeful as candidates seek the Republican nomination ahead of the March caucuses and county assembly.
“It was strictly because we have to get something going with election right around the corner,” Ower said.
During the caucus and assembly process next month, party delegates begin narrowing the field ahead of November’s general election for the seat that will replace county commissioner Jim Candelaria.
Ower said the forum will be moderated and structured, with candidates introducing themselves and receiving limited time to answer prepared questions drafted by the Young Republicans. He said there will likely be an informal opportunity afterward for attendees to speak with candidates one‑on‑one.
“That was the goal for our committee was we wanted to give the Young Republicans something they could take ownership of and run it,” Ower said. “So, they’ve done a good job.”
Three more forums are scheduled for later this month. Republican Women of Montezuma County are moderating a Feb. 12 lunchtime forum for GOP candidates at the Baymont Inn. The Young Republicans will host a Feb. 18 forum in Dolores, followed by another forum including candidates from multiple parties on Feb. 26 at the Cortez Chamber of Commerce, Ower said.
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